DO:
· Greet
your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile
· Make good eye contact
· Never sit until asked to do so.
· Maintain good posture and don’t fidget. Sit upright (do not slouch) in the
chair.
· Listen carefully and wait your turn to speak.
· Dress professionally. Business suit only unless specifically told otherwise.
· Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time
· Research the company and know the current issues (Get their annual report or
look for their website)
· Know why you want to work for the company and how you can contribute
· Remember that anyone you come into contact with may have input into the hiring
decision - always be polite
· Have relevant questions prepared for the interview
· Know what sets you apart from other candidates - what are your strengths
· Be prepared to translate your previous work experience, to relate to the
position your interviewing for
· Practice before into the actual interview
· Remember to ask for a business card
· Send a thank you letter to all the people with whom you have met
· Remember that firms are choosing from a number of qualified applicants: don't
take rejection personally
· Talk with individuals who have previously worked in the company or industry
you are interested in
· Have a clear understanding of what you want to get across in the interview
· Think about the interviewers questions before you give just any answer; make
sure it clearly answers the question
· Document with notes after the interview for follow-up and thank you's
· Call if you are going to be late.
DON’T:
·
Arrive late
· Wear heavy make-up, cologne or perfumes.
· Smoke before your interview.
· Focus on your perceived weaknesses or lack of experience
· Be critical of employers
· Exaggerate or lie about yourself or your work history
· Arrive unprepared
· Ask questions for the sake of asking questions
· Ramble about non-relevant issues
· Show impatience with the interviewer, even if you have been kept waiting too
long
· Assume that you know the outcome of the interview after it is over - you are
not a mind reader
· Let the interview process stress you out
· Be afraid to use non-work experience to highlight a particular skill
JUST FOR INTEREST:
Here is an equation that I suggest all candidates consider before an interview. It has been proven that this is what employers are looking for:
| Technology | Communication & Focus | Interpersonal Skills |
| -technical skill set, becoming less of a focus all the time | -important for interviewer to understand and like you! | -if you are focused on the job you want & why & what you can do in the job – You are better adept than someone who’s not focused |
| 50% + | 25% + | 25% = |
| SUCCESS! |