Avoid these common mistakes on job interviews

The job market has finally thawed out some and those who couldn't beg, borrow or steal an interview previously are now starting to get those calls to come in.

CareerBuilder.com interviewed employers to find out some of the most common interview mistakes made by job applicants. Read up and be sure you don't blow your chance when you get that call.

• Don't answer your cell phone during the interview. My contention is that if an interviewer takes a call during an interview, well, that's totally rude. But they're the employer and you can't really do anything about it. But you doing it as an applicant? You have just told the employer that phone call is more important than the job opportunity.



• Dress appropriately. Don't be either underdressed or overdressed. Know the culture of the company where you're interviewing and take that as a cue. Go on the company's website to learn about the corporate culture before interviewing to get a feel.



• Don't be arrogant. While you want to do your research before an interview, you don't want to be a know it all. Be humble.



• Don't talk trash about a past or current employer. I remember when applicants I've interviewed over the years would come in and tell me about what an awful place they work at now or have worked at in the past. Don't do that, even if your boss or work environment deserves it. You just come across as having a lousy attitude.



• Don't chew gum. Employers say applicants will actually do this just under 60% of the time.



• Know the right questions to ask. Not asking the right questions shows that you're not prepared for the interview. Again, use the Internet to research companies. Read press releases and whatever you find in the investor relations section of a company's website.  



• Be genuine. This one comes from my own personal experience, not from CareerBuilder.com. Having personally interviewed many, many people over the years, I can tell you I don't want to see an actor. I want you to be who you are.  

This segment originally aired in March 2011.