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Interview Do's and Don'ts


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!