Getting a job means being prepared to make a memorable first impression. Going into any interview unprepared or anxious can often lead to disastrous thumbs-down results. Here are some tips on what a job candidate should not say or do in a job interview:

1. Don't tell the interviewer about your personal troubles. While the interviewer may have some sympathy for your current problems, they will also be wondering if you will be able to fully concentrate on the job, if they hire you. Even if you have great skills, the interviewer will also be wondering what percentage of the time you will be using those skills versus time you will be concentrating on your personal woes.

2. Don't ask if there is room for advancement, salary growth, or if you will get a raise after probation. Salary should never be broached by a job candidate on the first interview.

3. Don't be excessive about your past work experience in the interview. Too much information about your past experience may lead the interviewer to think "This guy/girl is going to be constantly stating 'this isn't how we did it in my past position'", or is going to deem you to be "un-trainable".

4. Don't appear overly relaxed. Appearing too relaxed may make you appear arrogant and as though you have over-rehearsed. Don't slouch; drape your arms on chair armrests, or cross your legs (keep your feet on the floor and your legs together". Appearing over relaxed during the interviewer may lead an interviewer to think "You're not hired yet, so don't make yourself too comfortable."

5. Don't bring up your past salary history. Don't make statements such as "Don't let my past salary histories influence you..." Salary is a very touchy subject in an interview, especially the initial one. Let the interviewer broach the salary subject first. Then, show your willingness to take the position at what it is being offered at.

6. Don't under dress for any position even if employees in the company are dressed in business casual. Remember, they already have a job. You want to get hired and the interview is your opportunity to put your best foot forward. Additionally, if you come under dressed you may express to the potential employer that you may not be really interested in the position.

7. Don't overdress for the position. If you are interviewing for a field position, then don't wear an extremely expensive suit. The employer will wonder how willing you will be to do the less glamorous job. Find a suitable outfit that says I want the position.

8. Don't overexposure yourself. Too much cleavage or leg exposure is distracting and can take away from the actual employment contributions you can make to the employer.

9. Don't wear extra/excessive jewelry. Both males and females should keep their jewelry to a minimum and match as much as possible. If you have multiple piercings on your ears, limit the earrings to one matching earring on each ear.

10. Don't display tattoos. While tattoos are generally a personal statement, the interview isn't the place to make it.

11. Don't fidget. Don't stroke your head, hair, facial hair, move your hands, or cross your legs. These gestures accentuate your nervousness.

12. Don't chew gum.

First impressions count! Make yours a confident, successful one!

C.A. Stapleton, A.S., B.S., M.B.A., is an experienced professional career consultant, mentor, and rsum/ biographical writer. Get more information @ http://www.vet2work.com or http://www.naturallysilver.com. Copyright. All rights reserved Worldwide.