Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts

graphic of the men on interviewKeys to successful job interviewing

Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview — or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early.

Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry.

Don’t chew gum during the interview.

Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name.

Do shake hands firmly. Don’t have a limp or clammy handshake!

Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don’t fidget or slouch.

Don’t tell jokes during the interview or try to “entertain” the interviewer.

Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s) but don’t stare.

Do be prepared to ask questions. This shows you are interested and have come prepared.

Don’t smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. Don’t smoke
beforehand so that you smell like smoke, and do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or
have a breath mint before the interview.

Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as “like,” “uh,” and “um”).

Don’t say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers. If you slight a former employer, the interviewer may assume you will someday do the same to him or her.

Don’t ever lie. It may come back to haunt you!

Do stress your achievements. And don’t offer any negative information about yourself.

Don’t bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.

Don’t inquire about salary, vacations or other benefits until the employer brings it up or after you’ve received an offer.

Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process.

Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to the person who interviewed you.



 
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