Interviewing Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Tardiness is never excusable.
- Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible.
- Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
- Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
- Be professional. Smile, make eye contact, and maintain good posture.
- Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
- Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.
- Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
- Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language.
- Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
Don'ts
- Don't answer vague questions. Ask the interviewer to clarify fuzzy questions.
- Don't interrupt the employer. If you don't listen, the interviewer won't either.
- Don't be disrespectful. Don't smoke, chew gum or place or touch anything on the interviewer's desk.
- Don't be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is.
- Don't wear heavy perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not share your tastes.
- Don't ramble. Long answers can make you sound apologetic or indecisive.
- Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully.
- Don't express bitterness. Avoid derogatory remarks about present or former employers.
- Don't talk about compensation - unless asked.