WorkWise BlogTip: Slip-ups

Look smart to avoid interview slip-ups. J.P. Hansen, author of "The Bliss List: The Ultimate Guide To Living the Dream At Work and Beyond!" maintains that job hunters unnecessarily block their success (Career Bliss, $19.95) .

Think about the guy who interviewed with a piece of bathroom tissue "hanging off the back of his shoe – like a streamer on a float in a parade," Hansen recalls. "He paraded himself out of the job and didn't even realize it."

If someone asks about overtime, restrain the impulse to say that you're "training for the Iron Man Triathlon, have a sick parent and see a shrink five times per week," he advises. Instead, mention that you're well-organized but realize that the need to stay late does occur.

Get ready to tap dance. Hansen himself was put on the hot seat when an African-American interviewer asked what color he'd like to be. He cited "rainbow," then mentioned that people have four personality types, to which he can adapt.

The employer might ask what other opportunities you're considering. If so, vagueness wins – "especially if your only other opportunity is flipping burgers," he points out, "but be upbeat about the number of strong opportunities you're considering."

Dr. Mildred L. Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. © 2010 Passage Media.