A little common sense goes a long way:

• Arriving late to the interview
• Not writing neatly on an application
• Forgetting to turn off your cell phone or pager
• Giving the interviewer a flimsy or clammy handshake
• Wearing inappropriate attire and overdosing on cologne or perfume
• Neglecting to link past experience with the needs of the employer
• Lacking enthusiasm about the position or employer
• Demonstrating poor body language such as fidgeting and slouching
• Providing one word answers to questions
• Not making any eye contact
• Using poor grammar or slang
• Focusing on your weaknesses and past failures
• Revealing too much about your personal life
• Talking negatively about a previous employer
• Being indecisive about your career’s direction
• Acting overly aggressive or displaying a superiority complex
• Not knowing about the industry or company
• Focusing on salary and not the job itself
• Not asking the employer any questions
• Failing to send out thank-you notes after the interview

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