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5 things NOT to do in an interview

There are some actions you should avoid if you don’t want to ruin your chances of acing the interview. Here are 5 of them.

1. Don’t tell the interviewer your life’s story. He/she is only interested in what you can do for them.

2. Don’t be negative, speak poorly or badmouth about previous bosses or companies you have worked for. A positive, enthusiastic attitude is what every employer is looking for.

3. Don’t just tell the interviewer what you have done in previous jobs. Tell what you have learned and how it is applicable to the job you are applying for.

4. Don’t ask questions about salary or vacation time. You will find out soon enough, if you are the right candidate.

5. Don’t forget to tell the interviewer that you want the job and have a good closing speech telling the interviewer why you think you are right for the job.

Nothing can replace research and preparation for an interview. Being prepared and being positive are your best chances of landing the job.

Next Read: 5 Do’s and Don’t’s of the phone interview. »

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markewicken: Mark Wicken is a marketing professional with over 30 years of advertising, communications and strategic planning experience within the retail and packaged goods industries. He has been a senior member of agency management teams with both account and brand management responsibilities. His strengths have always been on innovative thinking, solid organization and strong interpersonal skills. Starting in the advertising agency industry, Mark held senior account management positions at several multinational agencies including Leo Burnett, Foster, Caledon, Vickers & Benson and Saffer Advertising, and has been responsible for the management of accounts like IBM, McDonald’s, Esso and General Motors. Mark moved from his agency roles to the Client side and held the position of Divisional Vice President of Marketing for Domino’s Pizza International and Director of Marketing for KFC, Hardee’s and Sbarro restaurants in the Middle East. In 2002 he established The Mark Wicken Group, a business specializing in executive search, training and consulting within the marketing, advertising and communications industries. In addition to executive search, Mark has devoted much of his lifetime to teaching, education and youth development. He is President of MusicFest Canada ‘The Largest Annual Music Festival in North America’ and has been an instructor at the International Academy of Design and The Toronto Film School since 1998. Mark graduated from The University of Toronto, took post-graduate studies at Northwestern University, and is married with two sons.