Do yourself and the interviewer a favor, and don’t waste your time or theirs. Avoid these things if you want to make a good impression.
Name Dropping
The hiring officer does not want to hear how you attended high school with a girl that dated her boss’s grandson. It is generally not a good idea to try to throw names around. If an executive of the company specifically referred you for the position, ask that person for a letter of recommendation instead of dropping his or her name.
Acting Too Familiar
You do not have a personal relationship with the person conducting the interview, so do not behave as if you do. This person is not interested in every aspect of your life, your family problems, etc. He or she wants to know about things that are relevant to how you would perform if hired.
Not Minding Your Manners
You may feel excited and be eager to answer questions, but restrain yourself and make sure the interviewer has finished speaking before you begin. Turn your cell phone off before the interview. If you forget and your phone rings, quickly turn it off. Do not take the call.
Being Vague
When asked a question, attempt to respond as thoroughly as possible. This doesn’t mean tell your life story, but it does mean you should give a clear answer. If the interviewer asks why you left a previous job, explain it. You don’t have to get into all the gory details, but you should be direct, since he or she will likely check your references.
Being too Cute or Eccentric instead of Professional
Leave your Tinkerbell purse or your Goth make up at home. If the interviewer asks for an email address, have a professional one to offer. Save tinkerbelle4ever or ac/dc-rules for personal correspondence. You can be professional without losing your personality. Just make sure you express yourself in tasteful ways, befitting the position you are interviewing for.