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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. |
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Do your research and know the type of job interview
you will be encountering. (See types of job interviews.) And do
prepare and practice for the interview, but don't memorize or
over-rehearse your answers. (See our some of the best collections of
interview questions.) |
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Do dress the part for the job, the company, the
industry. And do err on the side of conservatism. If you're not sure,
you should consider reading our article, when Job-Hunting: Dress for
Success. |
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Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival
for a job interview is never excusable. If you are running late, do
phone the company. |
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Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy
and respect. This is where you make your first impression. |
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If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately. |
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Do bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better,
if you have a job skills portfolio, do bring that with you to the
interview.) |
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Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., and
Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're
not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going
into the interview. |
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Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake! |
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Do avoid controversial topics. |
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Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s). |
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Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company. |
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Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um"). |
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Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself. |
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Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive. |
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Do remember that the interview is also an important
time for you to evaluate the interviewer and the company she
represents. |
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Do show off the research you have done on the company
and industry when responding to questions. (See our Guide to
Researching Companies.) |
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Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you. |
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Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company,
or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of
interest. |
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Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s)
that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process.
(Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for
the job. |
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Do try and get business cards from each person you
interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first
and last names and don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it
Jon or John -- get the spelling.
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Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details.
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Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to
get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an
opportunity until you are sure about it. |
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Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each
person who interviewed you. (You can see some sample thank-you letters
here) |
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Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. |
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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.
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Don't tell jokes during the interview. |
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Don't use chew gum during the interview. |
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Don't rely on your application or resume doing the
selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you
will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.
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Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers
you a cigarette. And 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. |
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Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence. |
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Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment. |
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Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers. |
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Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don't over-answer questions. |
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Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no."
Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that
showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples. |
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Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems. |
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Don't respond to an unexpected question with an
extended pause or by saying something like, "boy, that's a good
question." And do repeat the question out loud or ask for the question
to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an
answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay. |
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Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview,
and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager. |
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Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses,
retirement, or other benefits until after you've received an offer. Be
prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try
and delay salary talk until you have an offer. (You might consider
visiting our salary tutorial for more tips and strategies.)
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