Do Not Chew Gum!

Not every job interview goes as planned. Often candidates prepare vigorously and intently, but all can come to a quick end if things start to fall apart.  Therefore it behooves you to recognize the warning signs that your job interview is in trouble. Here are some signs to watch for when interviewing for a job as recommended by Careerbuilder.com:

1. You're pretty sure you know how to get to the interview site, but you're not positive.
   Before you can even look for warning signs of a bad interview, you need to get there first. Do not trust your GPS, make sure you have specific instructions and call the company just in case you need to verify the location so you can arrive at the interview on time.
   
2. Do not speak more than the interviewer.
   Job seekers shouldn't dominate more than 40 percent of the conversation. Many job seekers are anxious to show that they are the best candidate for a job, and they often dominate the conversation with things like never-ending answers or run-on sentences. The interview time may end before they've had adequate time to deal with all the questions the interviewer had prepared.
   
3. The interviewer's eyes are on the clock, not you.
   During an interview, be an active observer and watch your interviewer's body language -- is she glancing at her watch or noticing who is walking by?
   
4. The interview feels like a test of endurance.
   Beware of employers who hold marathon interviews that last seven hours. Applicants are not asked if they'd like a restroom break, snack or glass of water- think about what the job would be like if the interview is this bad.
   
5. No one wants to work here.
   An insightful question that many job seekers fail to ask is why the position is available. Or, to frame it so that you sound focused on your future with the company, ask where the employee formerly in the position is today- watch for companies with a revolving door.
   
6. Do not get snippy with the administrative assistant.
   The interview begins the moment you are on the premises, so don't save your best behavior for the meeting room. It's not just about having the skills and abilities to do the job; the personality and respect elements are critical, too.
   
7. Do not spend 10 minutes complaining about your last boss.
   Job seekers must never talk negatively about a former co-worker or former boss, even if it seems like this negativity is being encouraged; it's an incredibly small world out there and it's amazing who knows who.

These are not all the signs of a bad interview, but these several points should give an interviewee an idea of what to look for in order to salvage the opportunity.  And by the way, do not forget to take the gum out!