The job interview is one of the most important parts of applying for a job and the first impression that you make in this interaction is mostly what the employer will be basing their decision on.

That is why it is very important that you present yourself professionally in your job interview so that you can really impress the employer.

However, there are a few major mistakes that many people make in job interviews that can really damage their chances of getting hired.

If you have ever not been called back after a job interview you might want to ask yourself if you have committed any of these blunders and how you can avoid them in the future:

Not Preparing Properly

Keep in mind that the interviewer will likely ask you a question along the lines of “what do you know about this company?”

If you stutter and stumble through your answer because you have not done any research, they will assume that you are not really dedicated to the position.

Before you go to your interview, go to the company website and read their “About Us” section to that you have something to say in response to this question.

Not Dressing Professionally

First impressions really make a difference and if you enter the job interview dressed like a slob the interviewer will immediately make a judgment about you.

They will think that if you cannot make the effort to iron your shirt and wear clean shoes then you will not put the effort into the job either. Make sure that you go the extra mile to look polished before your interview.

Answering Your Cell Phone

This is a huge no-no during an interview, because it tells the employer that your cell phone is more important than what they have to say to you.

Cell phones don’t belong at an interview, so make sure it is switched off completely so that you won’t be tempted to answer.  In fact, just leave it in your car so you aren’t embarrassed by the phone ringing in the interview!

Badmouthing Your Last Boss

Ok, perhaps your last supervisor was an arrogant jerk but there is no need to go into detail about this in the job interview.

It will unfortunately only make you look bad and make them think that you might badmouth them as well.

If you are asked about your previous job remember to be as diplomatic as humanly possible.

Avoid these mistakes and you will increase your chances of success at your next job interview.

Happy job hunting!

What have you got planned to celebrate Armed Forces Day this year?

This year’s Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday, May 19^th.

What is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day is a holiday which celebrates the service and sacrifice of members of the military.  Armed Forces Day is a common holiday celebrated in many countries throughout the world.

In the USA, Armed Forces Day is always held on the 3rd Saturday of the month of May.

It usually falls at the end of Armed Forces Week which occurs between the second Saturday and the third Sunday in May.

What sort of Events are Held?

The day is an official holiday and it is often celebrated with parades, open houses, air shows, festivals and other family-friendly events.

Often military members will give displays and performances for the public and there will be educational activities for children to learn about the armed forces.

Some locations around the USA will even have motorcycle rides with a “Support the Troops” theme.

Usually the weather is sunny and warm at this time of the year and many families will take a picnic and sit outside while they watch the parades and the festivities.

This day is also an opportunity for the military to showcase its state-of-the-art technology and equipment to the American people.

Most cities, towns and communities will have their own Armed Forces Day celebrations, so be sure to take a look at what is happening in your hometown on this special day.

What are the Historical Origins of Armed Forces Day?

This holiday was created in 1949 in order to honor the Americans who served in the five branches of the United States military; The Army, The Navy, The Air Force, The Marines, and the Coast Guard.

In the past, these five branches each had their own special day until President Truman created a single day when all military members could be celebrated.

It was established as an official holiday by President Kennedy in 1962.

This Armed Forces Day, find out what events are happening this year and get out there to join in the party.

Have a great Armed Forces Day this year and be sure to give thanks to the brave members of the military for their patriotic service.

Owning a home is a very important milestone in life and for most people it is the largest purchase that they will ever make.

Many first time home buyers are so eager to move into their new property that they overlook the fine print and details and make some mistakes.

Buying a home is a complicated process and there are many things to keep in mind when you are making these important decisions.

Here are a few financial mistakes to avoid when buying your home:

Not Making a Large Down Payment

One of the first rules to buying a house is that you should pay as much of a down payment as you can possibly afford.

A popular strategy is to save up for a few years first and pay down as large of an amount down as you can afford.  Many times the easiest approvals and lowest interest rates are offered if you can put at least 20% of the value of the home down.

This is an advantage because when you pay more money up front you will have a smaller mortgage and less interest to pay over the years.

Even a 5% increase in your down payment can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.

Buying Too Much House for Your Budget

Just because your mortgage lender has told you that you can afford a house of a certain amount, it doesn’t mean that you need to buy a home which is expensive.

If your house just barely fits within your budget, you will stretch yourself to make your payments every month and be under pressure to keep earning a lot of money.

If something happens, such as your hours get cut at work or you lose your job, those large payments get overwhelming very quickly.

It is better to choose a house which is very easily in your reach so that you can make smaller monthly payments with some breathing room just in case.

Failing to Make a Budget

The best way to find out what you really can and can’t afford is to take a close look at your finances by making a budget so that you know exactly what is coming in and out.

Take stock of all of your spending and earnings over the last few months by entering your expenses and income into a spreadsheet, and don’t forget to consider non-monthly expenses such as vacations, birthday and wedding gifts, and auto repair expenses.

This will help you see exactly where your money is going, what you can cut down on and how much you can realistically afford to spend on mortgage payments.