Gulf Rozee
The following list of tips offers common sense guidelines for the interview. You can also use it in other stages of your job search.
What to do:
- Learn in advance about the company or organization.
- Practice answering difficult, illegal, or “too personal” questions.
- Sleep well the night before, so you can be mentally alert for the interview.
- Dress appropriately and take care of your appearance
- Bring some money. Maybe you need to make a phone call or a coffee.
- Keep extra resume, list of references, small notebook and pen.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before using the bathroom, find offices, allow for unexpected traffic problems and to RELAX.
- Treat all secretaries and receptionists politely (they are important allies).
- Send enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly when you are with the interviewer or some other employee. Speak clearly and directly, and vary the tone.
- Remember and correctly pronounce the names of the people you meet (or are speaking by phone).
- Sit up straight, make good eye contact, lean slightly forward on the seat. Show a friendly and sincere interest in the job and the interviewer.
- Respond fully to the interviewer’s questions.
- Listen to the interviewer. This will avoid asking about topics that have already been treated. Similarly, take time to clarify any questions you do not understand.
- Sell your qualifications rather than your need for employment.
- Use the words “please” and “thank you” at appropriate times. This courtesy to everyone involved in your job search.
- Ask questions during the interview.
- Show interest in the work saying, “I hope you will consider me for this job” or “I’m very interested in this position because …”
- Thank the interviewer when the interview is finished.
- After retiring, write down their impressions of the interview and what could be done differently next time.
- After the interview, make a follow-up phone call or send a letter of thanks.
Do not:
- Bring relatives, friends or children.
- Ask questions that only about pay and benefits.
- Act as if you were to get this job no matter what.
- Break In. If you have questions or need clarification, wait a logical break occurs in the conversation and only then talk.
- Talk about personal issues (problems or health issues or finance personal nature). Focus on your qualifications for the job.
- Criticizing employers or former coworkers.
- Give petty excuses such as: “It was too much work” or “The people I worked with were rude”.
- Lose sight of the effect you are having on the interviewer.
- Chew gum, smoke, play with your hair or constantly adjust your clothes. These actions definitely distracting.
- Read papers or touching objects that are in the interviewer’s desk.
- Bring anything bulky to the interview such as: books, shopping bags or a large briefcase.
- Take notes during the interview without permission.