When interviewing for a new position, don’t let a “nice guy” attitude get in the way of showing how serious you are about getting a job. Below are five common job interview mistakes that many people make. While you want to be liked and accepted, don’t forget that companies are looking for leaders, not friends.

Understating Your Upside
We all like to think that we are humble and that’s a good thing on a day-to-day basis, but when you’re applying for a job YOU become the product and you must sell it. You want your employers to be impressed when they walk away, not say to themselves, “well that’s a very nice guy.”

Being a Friend
Friends talk about funny stories or the latest episode of their favorite TV show. Friends ask personal questions and comment about shoes and new haircuts. But your friend won’t pay you $50,000 a year. Your employer is evaluating your skills and they won’t be impressed with your small talk ability. Save the laughs for the new employee orientation.

Talking Too Much
If you are unemployed you may have a lot of time on your hands, but your interviewer is trying to squeeze this 30 minute interview into a 15 minute time slot. Respect their time and only offer meaningful and on-point conversation. It will leave more time for your employer to ask pointed questions about things that they are actually interested in.

Lack of Planning
If you are going to impress them, you’ll need a strategy. The only reason they will have questions prepared for you is because they want you to talk. Be prepared to highlight specific points of your skills and experience. Bring a notepad with a short list of very specific things you want them to know about you. Don’t take it for granted that they will know the details that were involved in your last job. Talk them through it step-by-step.

Being Too Flexible
Have you ever gone out to dinner with a group of friends that can’t decided where to eat? It’s really frustrating. Avoid creating that same awkward dance during an interview. Be decisive and firm in your answers. It’s easy to say that you can be flexible “anywhere you want to put me.” Show yourself to be a leader and give definitive answers.

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