Interviews Do’s & Don’ts 

 

Interviewing is a sensitive area of business—and it can be stressful for hiring managers as well for job seekers. A job interview is your opportunity to show a potential employer how you can shine in the role and at the company. Think of the interview as an audition for the job, and also as a “sample” of your work, because that’s how employers often view it. But keep this in mind—you’re interviewing the interviewers too! You need to get a handle on whether or not the job and the company are a good fit for you. Below are the key job interview do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. Job seekers who follow these simple tips should achieve success in this meaningful & crucial phase of job hunting.

 

How should you present yourself during an interview to have the best shot at getting the job?

The most important takeaways are:

 

Do’s

1. Schedule the interview in the morning if possible. Research shows this is when you’re more likely to be successful.
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Be ready.
3. Research the company. The more you know the better. Be sure you know the name of the company and interviewer.
4. Research the person or people who will be interviewing you, if possible.
5. Know the specific position you are applying for.
6. Do a practice run with a friend. Practice makes perfect.
7. Plan your answer to “Where do you want to be in five years?”
8. Plan your answer to “What is your greatest weakness?”
9. Plan your answers to all other predictable questions.
10. Have questions prepared ahead of time. But be flexible if the opportunity for an unscripted question is presented.
11. Display enthusiasm for the job.
13. Find out exactly where you’re going beforehand, so you don’t get lost.
14. Show that you prepared for the interview.
15. Be clean, well put together, and presentable.
16. Wear professional colors.
17. Dress the part, don’t overdress.
18. Be on time. better yet, be 15 minutes early and take a walk around the block.
19. Turn off your phone.
20. Be friendly with everyone you meet on the way in.
21. Offer a firm handshake.
22. Be able to demonstrate how much you know about the company.
23. Bring 2- 3 hard copies of your resume. Perhaps 2 people will interview you.
24. Smile, be warm and personable.
25. Have a sense of humor. Laugh at the interviewer’s jokes.
26. Have some great anecdotes that demonstrate your skills and experience.
27. Be positive and be honest.
28. Have your questions planned beforehand.
29. Ask questions.
30. But never ask about the salary or package. They will let you know.
31. Ask for the job. No you don’t say “Can I have the job.” Here’s how to ask.
32. Make eye contact.
33. Watch your posture.
34. Watch your body language you want to put the job seeker at ease and make them comfortable.
35. Be confident.
36. Watch the interviewer’s body language.
37. Ask questions that elicit constructive responses.
38. Sell yourself and Listen.
39. Allow the job seeker the opportunity to speak and ask questions.
40. Show enthusiasm for the position and the company.
41. Speak clearly.
42. Try to get contact information for the people interviewing you.
43. Ask for clarification of anything you don’t understand.
44. Offer a compliment if the opportunity to do so sincerely presents itself.
45. Show an interest in the interviewer.
46. Bring copies of any relevant papers, like certificates, reference letters, newspaper clips, photos etc.
47. Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you.
48. DO maintain eye contact with your interviewer(s), and show enthusiasm in the position and the company at all times
49. Ask about follow up.
50. After the interview follow up with the interviewer, send a note, saying: “Thank You for interview and your time.“ etc.

Don’ts

1. Be late. Never be late. If you’re on time for one thing, make it the job interview.
2. Don’t answer cellphone calls, send or respond to texts. Keep cellphone turned off and stowed away.
3. Do avoid using poor grammar, bad language, slang, and pause words (such as “like,” “uh,” and “um”).
4. Show up knowing nothing about the company and/or position.
5. Wear bright colors. Research suggests dark colors are better or dress sexy, but don’t look sloppy.
6. Don’t assume that an invitation to a job interview means that you have a job offer “in the bag already.”
7. Don’t answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Explain whenever possible in detail and quick.
8. Be too casual, address anyone as “dude.”
9. Don’t ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly, and succinctly.
10. Wear too much perfume.
11. Get caught off guard. That’s what preparation is for!
12. Don’t bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
13. Name drop people you don’t even know. This is even worse.
14. Offer a limp, weak handshake.
15. Don’t say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
16. Show up smelling of smoke chew gum
17. Don’t fidget or slouch.
18. Cross your arms over your chest. This makes you look defensive.
19. Talk politics, religion or any other taboo subjects.
20. Don’t over-answer questions. Sharing too much information
21. Brag about making your former boss jealous.
22. Speak negatively about your former boss.
23. Look at your resume for answers.
24. Say “No,” when the interviewer asks “Do you have any questions for me?”
25. Appear desperate.
26. Argue with or correct the interviewer.
27. Make too much eye contact that you look like a psycho.
28. Be sycophantic and fawning. Laugh at their jokes, don’t bray like a donkey.
31. Get impatient.
32. Don’t ask the interviewers personal questions.
33. Tweet.
34. Swear.
35. Don’t tell jokes during the interview.
36. Don’t be soft-spoken. Speak clearly, and project confidence and preparation.
37. Have an attitude.
38. Brag. Be too much proud of your accomplishments, but be humble.
39. Interrupt.
40. Never ask about the salary or package unless the interview brings it up
41. Don’t offer any negative information about yourself, even if you’re being self-deprecating.
42. Complain.
43. Steeple your fingers.
44. Touch your face or neck too much. Play with your hair. This makes you look nervous.
45. Don’t act disinterested in the job or the employer.
46. Avoid asking for information that you already have in your possession.
47. Do not gloss over the requirements of the job.
48. Ask about salary too early in the conversation.
49. Be always polite, wait until you are offered to take a seat.
50. Leave the interview without thanking the interview for the interview and for his time.

After the interview:
Don’t forget to follow up immediately with your thank you notes (or emails) to the interviewer.