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.