TAMPA , Fla., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Most of us know what it feels like to be turned down for a job we hoped to get.

Sometimes it's simply not a good match. But all too often the rejection stems from an interview slip-up. So how can we make sure to ace the next one?

Interestingly, it's often the same set of mistakes that cost us the job, according to Steve McMahan, Group President for Kforce Professional Staffing (www.kforce.com). 'Successful interviewing reflects your ability to sell yourself,' says McMahan. 'That becomes easier when you recognize the potential pitfalls and learn to avoid them.'

McMahan and his Kforce counterparts rate the following interview mistakes as the most common:

     * Lack of professionalism. Too often, interviewees fail to realize that
       the interview starts the minute they walk into the building. Impolite
       behavior toward the security guard or rudeness to the receptionist can
       ensure that this will be your last visit. Make eye contact, smile and
       offer a firm handshake when appropriate. During the interview, convey
       confidence by speaking clearly and sticking to the point. And don't
       forget to dress the part -- a professional appearance is a must.
     * Preparation failure.  Nothing can kill an interview faster than a
       blatant lack of knowledge about the company and position for which
       you're applying. Take the time to research the company, its economic
       climate and the position at hand, and be prepared to demonstrate the
       value you would add.
     * Buy first, sell later. Interviewees play two roles: that of a 'buyer'
       looking to determine whether the company is a good fit, and that of a
       'seller' who must convince the prospective employer to hire them. 'One
       of the biggest mistakes candidates make is to go in with the buyer
       mentality and neglect their sales role,' says McMahan. That's
       backwards:  convince the company to make an offer first, then focus on
       the buyer questions.
     * Money matters most. Likewise, asking too soon about benefits and
       financial information can be off-putting for hiring managers who are
       still trying to learn about your background and determine whether you
       might be a good fit. Advises McMahan: Sell yourself first, then worry
       about compensation.
     * Negative exposure. Those who air a former employer's dirty laundry or
       make disparaging comments about others raise a red flag for hiring
       managers. Employers may wonder how you would represent their company if
       hired, and whether your negativity would extend to your new role.
     * No sparks. When the interview feels flat, it's likely you've failed to
       create chemistry with the hiring manager.  'Remember that people want
       to do business with people they like,' says McMahan. 'It's important to
       develop a rapport with the interviewer from the start.'

Overall, interviewing is not a difficult skill to master, McMahan says. With the right preparation, job seekers can avoid missteps, make a strong impression and boost their chances of landing that next great position.

About Kforce:

Kforce Inc. (Nasdaq: KFRC) is a full-service, professional staffing firm providing flexible and permanent staffing solutions for candidates and organizations in the skill areas of technology, finance and accounting, and health and life sciences. Backed by more than 1,700 staffing specialists, Kforce operates with 75 offices in 44 markets in North America .

SOURCE Kforce Professional Staffing