Interview Do’s and Don’ts
“I am convinced that nothing we do is more important than hiring and developing people. At the end of the day you bet on people, not on strategies.”
— Lawrence Bossidy
√ Dressing appropriately for the interview on the side of being conservative helps to show you take the interview seriously.
√ Reaching 10 minutes prior to the start time helps. For that know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, and then find a rest room to freshen up, etc.
√ While greeting your interviewer, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake
√ Be prepared to correctly gather and understand your interviewer’s name and the correct pronunciation.
√ Instead of looking here and there or down, it is a good idea to maintain good eye contact with all the interviewers during the interview.
√ Avoid fidgeting and slouching; sit firmly in your seat.
√ Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
√ Be specific and to the point while answering a question and be confident in your response.
√ Be sincere with your interest in the job opportunity and the company.
√ Just in the manner you greeted, confidently offer a firm handshake and make eye contact when the interviewer concludes the interview.
√ After the interview, make notes right away so you don’t forget critical details.
Interview DON’Ts
x Don’t make excuses for your decisions and your actions.
xDon’t badmouth about your previous employers or bosses.
x Don’t be too casual about the interview as it might appear insulting to the interviewer. Remember the body language and attitude are also important.
x Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in an organization because of its geographic location.
x Don’t bring the topic of salary until it is brought up by your interviewer.
x Don’t act too desperate as if you would take any job.
x Don’t exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview.
x Don’t go to extremes with your posture; don’t slouch, and don’t sit rigidly on the edge of your chair.
x Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke.
x Don’t allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and ignore it.) Don’t take a cell phone call. Don’t look at a text message.