Job interview myths may prevent you from conducting an effective job interview. Knowing what they are will aid you in your job search. The major myths include:

Myth 1: Every interview in my job search will be a job interview.

Myth 2: My resume will get me the job. If I write an excellent resume, I don't have to worry about anything else.

Myth 3: Once I send off my resume for a job, the only thing I can do is wait to hear from the employer.

Myth 4: If I get a phone call from an employer, it must mean they aren't very interested in my candidacy if they can't take the time to reply by letter.

Myth 5: For the employer, the purpose of the interview is to determine if you are qualified for the job.

Myth 6: My goal in a job interview is to get the job.

Myth 7: I have all the right skills and lots of experience related to this position. It's a cinch the job is as good as mine if I can just get the interview.

Myth 8: I can't really do much to prepare for the interview since I don't know what questions I will be asked.

Myth 9: I have always been able to talk my way through anything. I'll just go into the interview and dazzle the interviewer with my verbosity.

Myth 10: I'll wear something to the interview that will really get their attention and make them remember me.

Myth 11: I should do most of the talking in the interview because they want to know more about me.

Myth 12: Once I get into the job interview, I should take charge so the interviewer will recognize my leadership abilities.

Myth 13: It is impossible to be too confident in a job interview.

Myth 14: If I arrive late for the interview, I'll find a good excuse - I got lost or couldn't find a parking space.

Myth 15: I should avoid bringing up anything in the interview that would raise questions about my qualifications or ability to do the job.

Myth 16: If the interviewer ask about my weaknesses, I should indicate I have none.

Myth 17: If there is something about me that may be perceived as negative, such as that I was fired from a job, I should fully explain the situation if asked about it.

Myth 18: If I am asked a clearly illegal question, I should set the interviewer straight so she won't do it again.

Myth 19: It is best that I memorize responses to questions I expect to be asked.

Myth 20: I certainly don't want the employer to think I am desperate for a job, so I will be as low-key as possible.

Myth 21: I should not ask any questions until the end of the interview.

Myth 22: I will just answer the interviewer's questions. I don't want to ask any questions, or he'll think I haven't done my homework and researched the company.

Myth 23: If I am asked about my salary expectations, I'll give a high figure. That way they will assume I am worth a lot.

Myth 24: If I don't get a job offer at the end of my first interview with a company, I haven't done something right.

Myth 25: When they do offer me the job, the employer will want an acceptance right then and there.

Myth 26: Once the interview is completed, I should thank the interviewer and go home and wait to hear from them.

SOURCE: Adapted from Bernard Haldane Associates, Haldane's Best Answers to Tough Interview Questions (Manassas Park, VA: Impact Publications, 2000), pp. 17-26. Tel. 1-800-361-1055. Website: www.impactpublications.com