As a result of an extensive survey of our client companies, ranging from large companies to small companies, both domestic and international, we have compiled the following list. Any one of the following mistakes can make a difference between getting the position or losing out to someone else. Any two and you virtually wasted your time going to the interview.

• Late for the interview
• Poor personal appearance
• Lengthy condemnation of past employers
• Incomplete or sloppy application form
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Showing little or no interest in the company, position, or industry
• A lack of planning for career without purpose or goals
• Avoiding or lying about unfavorable factors in your past
• Expecting advancement at an unreasonable rate
• Lying about your current or past salaries
• An over emphasis on money; interested in only the best dollar. (Industry average shows a 5% to 8% increase is the norm)
• Failure to look at the interviewer while conversing
• Not asking questions about the position
• Failure to provide relevant questions when asked
• Being overbearing, overly aggressive, having a conceited attitude
• Giving indefinite responses to questions
• Having poor reasons for previous job changes
• Wanting a job for only a short period of time
• Merely shopping around
• Inability to take criticism
• Limp, fishy or wet handshake
• Poor diction, bad grammar, inability to express oneself
• Lack of confidence and poise, ill at ease
• Being indecisive
• Lack of manners or courtesy
• Lack of vitality
• Lack of tact
• Being cynical
• Unwillingness to arrange future interviews
• Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time
• Failure to participate in activities
• Having low moral standards
• Having very narrow interests
• Failure to ask for the job