Do’s and Don’ts in interviews

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.