Interview Do's and Don'ts!
Do:
1. Be a few minutes early to the interview. Fifteen minutes early is considered "on time". If you're there right when the interview is scheduled to start, you're late.
2. Shake hands with each interviewer before and after the interview. If shaking hands is contrary to your beliefs, a nod of acknowledgement will suffice, but be sure to explain that your beliefs do not allow you to shake hands.
3. Answer the questions with specific information. Do include specific dates, company names and job skills when answering.
4. Bring a few extra copies of your resume with you to the interview. If your resume was submitted online or as an attachment, it may not be formatted as nicely as your hard copy.
5. Dress to impress. Even if the company's attire is casual, you should dress nicer than you would to go to work.
6. Accept water if offered, but don't ask for water. Drink only between questions, not before answering.
7. Smile!
Don't:
1. Have your cell phone turned on during the interview. Do not take calls, answer the phone or even let the phone be heard.
2. Include personal information in your interview answers.
Remember that the question pertains to the job, not about you personally.
3. Chew gum, mints, or have anything in your mouth while you're trying to speak.
4. Fidget. If you can't control your hands, put them in your lap.
5. Don't be late!
Extra tips –
1. If your hands sweat, put a cloth napkin in the pocket of your jacket. Just before you shake hands with your interviewer, dry your hand.
2. If your hands are cold, go to the bathroom and warm them in warm water before you head into your interview.
3. Get to the interview 15 minutes early. If you know you are filling out an application, get there 30 minutes early. This gives you a head start.
Be prepared with appropriate identification, in case you have to fill out an application; bring your ID, passport or social security card. This is necessary for the I-9.
4. Women: be sure to reapply your lipstick before the interview, in case you’ve eaten it off. If you do not wear lipstick, using a clear lip balm will insure that your lips don't dry out during the interview.
Men: be sure that your tie is straight.
5. If your eyes have watered, check your make-up in the bathroom, and bring an extra tissue, in case you need to wipe the mascara from under your eyes.
7. If you smoke, do NOT smoke before your interview nor while wearing your interview attire.
8. Remember that the secretary is also interviewing you by viewing the way you act in the reception area. If you are kind to her, and contentious, he/she will likely put in a good word for you. If you drift off to sleep, he/she will notice.
9. Do not cross your legs at the knees, cross them at the ankles.
10. Do not sit back in the chair; sit with your rear about 5 inches from the back of the chair and straight.
11. Make eye contact with the interviewer when you answer the questions. If you need more time to answer a question, a good things to say while formulating your answers is: "That's a good question, let me think about that for a moment..."
12. While shaking hands, make eye contact and continue with it during your interview. It’s OK to look away for a moment while thinking of an answer, but be sure to connect it as you answer.
13. Do not lean on the armrests, use one or the other, if necessary but not both.
14. Don’t tap your fingers on the armrests, or make other nervous gestures i.e. Picking cuticles, fidgeting, etc.
15. Be sure to thank the employer for the interview, both verbally and with a thank you note. Go back out to your car and IMMEDIATELY write a thank you note. Hand deliver it if possible.
1. Be a few minutes early to the interview. Fifteen minutes early is considered "on time". If you're there right when the interview is scheduled to start, you're late.
2. Shake hands with each interviewer before and after the interview. If shaking hands is contrary to your beliefs, a nod of acknowledgement will suffice, but be sure to explain that your beliefs do not allow you to shake hands.
3. Answer the questions with specific information. Do include specific dates, company names and job skills when answering.
4. Bring a few extra copies of your resume with you to the interview. If your resume was submitted online or as an attachment, it may not be formatted as nicely as your hard copy.
5. Dress to impress. Even if the company's attire is casual, you should dress nicer than you would to go to work.
6. Accept water if offered, but don't ask for water. Drink only between questions, not before answering.
7. Smile!
Don't:
1. Have your cell phone turned on during the interview. Do not take calls, answer the phone or even let the phone be heard.
2. Include personal information in your interview answers.
Remember that the question pertains to the job, not about you personally.
3. Chew gum, mints, or have anything in your mouth while you're trying to speak.
4. Fidget. If you can't control your hands, put them in your lap.
5. Don't be late!
Extra tips –
1. If your hands sweat, put a cloth napkin in the pocket of your jacket. Just before you shake hands with your interviewer, dry your hand.
2. If your hands are cold, go to the bathroom and warm them in warm water before you head into your interview.
3. Get to the interview 15 minutes early. If you know you are filling out an application, get there 30 minutes early. This gives you a head start.
Be prepared with appropriate identification, in case you have to fill out an application; bring your ID, passport or social security card. This is necessary for the I-9.
4. Women: be sure to reapply your lipstick before the interview, in case you’ve eaten it off. If you do not wear lipstick, using a clear lip balm will insure that your lips don't dry out during the interview.
Men: be sure that your tie is straight.
5. If your eyes have watered, check your make-up in the bathroom, and bring an extra tissue, in case you need to wipe the mascara from under your eyes.
7. If you smoke, do NOT smoke before your interview nor while wearing your interview attire.
8. Remember that the secretary is also interviewing you by viewing the way you act in the reception area. If you are kind to her, and contentious, he/she will likely put in a good word for you. If you drift off to sleep, he/she will notice.
9. Do not cross your legs at the knees, cross them at the ankles.
10. Do not sit back in the chair; sit with your rear about 5 inches from the back of the chair and straight.
11. Make eye contact with the interviewer when you answer the questions. If you need more time to answer a question, a good things to say while formulating your answers is: "That's a good question, let me think about that for a moment..."
12. While shaking hands, make eye contact and continue with it during your interview. It’s OK to look away for a moment while thinking of an answer, but be sure to connect it as you answer.
13. Do not lean on the armrests, use one or the other, if necessary but not both.
14. Don’t tap your fingers on the armrests, or make other nervous gestures i.e. Picking cuticles, fidgeting, etc.
15. Be sure to thank the employer for the interview, both verbally and with a thank you note. Go back out to your car and IMMEDIATELY write a thank you note. Hand deliver it if possible.