Interview Tips
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Dos and Don'ts in a Job Interview


Here are a few important interview dos and don'ts:

DO:

  1. Research the company prior to going to the interview.
  2. Get directions/map so you know where you are going for the interview.  You can use MapQuest to get directions.  Drive to the site as a practice run at least one day prior to the interview so you know where you are going and where to park.  If you are going by bus, make sure you check the metro transit for times. 
  3. Know who you are interviewing with - get first and last name of the person or people
  4. Dress appropriately.  Click on dress for success to get tips on what to wear to an interview.
  5. Be prepared - bring several copies of your résumé, pen and paper, references, social security card, picture ID/drivers license, and "cheat sheet" for applications
    1. Employment info:  past and current company names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of employment
    2. Education:  college/university names, addresses, phone numbers, GPA (if 3.0 or higher), and dates of attendance
  6. Arrive ten minutes early.  This will prevent you from being late and it will give you an opportunity to observe the work site/environment.
  7. Smile and have good eye contact.
  8. Use a firm handshake when introducing yourself to the interviewer.
  9. Create a good first impression.  Employers generally make their decision in the first five minutes.  Look around the interviewer's office or company for things you may have in common to start a conversation. 
  10. Sell yourself.  Be motivated.  Remember your principle selling points, transferable skills, and why you want the job.
  11. Give specific answers.
  12. ALWAYS ask questions about the company and position, especially when asked if you have any questions.  Have questions prepared!  Click on sample questions for the interviewer for help.
  13. Ask for business cards from everyone you interview with so you can send them a thank you letter. 
  14. Follow up the interview with a thank you letter. 

 

DON'T:

  1. Be late for an appointment. If you cannot avoid being late, call the employer to let him/her know!
  2. Wear “flashy” or “casual” clothing.
  3.  Wear perfume/cologne
  4. Smoke before going into the interview.
  5. Take a second person to the interview.
  6. Chew gum, fiddle with purse or hair, fidget in chair, tap fingers, or use other annoying mannerisms.
  7. Give one or two word answers, and don’t over-answer questions.
  8. Be critical of past employers.
  9. Discuss controversial subjects.
  10. Act desperate for the job
  11. Ask about pay or benefits —let the interviewer bring up salary and benefits first.
  12. Flatly refuse a position on the interview. The employer may be willing to modify the physical aspects of the job or raise the salary. Keep your opportunities open. Something else may open up within the company.
  13. Use slang words and/or street talk. And be careful of using “um,” “like,” or “uh.”
  14. Be dishonest – including not being forthcoming with relevant information, embellishing accomplishments, hiding jobs or leading the process on with no intention of ever following through.