Interviews Do’s and Don’ts
DO
- Be friendly to absolutely everybody (this applies to life in general too).
- Make eye contact frequently.
- Be professional: act like somebody you would want to employ.
- Be enthusiastic. The best way is to learn about the company or industry and develop an appreciation for it. If you can’t, question why you are applying.
- Actively contribute to the interview. Forget the standard question-and-response format. Make the interview a lively conversation if possible.
- Stick to the point when answering questions.
- Remember, you’re interviewing the interviewer to see if you really want to work for the company.
- Finally, send a thank you card, especially if the interview went well. It will remind the interviewer of what a positive interview you were.
DON’T
- Be abrasive or demanding.
- Chew gum (there’s nothing less professional or impolite).
- Act inappropriately.
- Make sensitive comments (you don’t know who you’re talking to).
- Digress endlessly. Do use minor elaborations to illustrate your point.
- Wear overpowering perfumes or aftershave.
- Wear anything too gaudy. Be conservative.
- Swear or use expletives.