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| Do’s and Don’ts for Effective Interviewing |
Though many of the do’s and don’ts listed below follow simple etiquette, it is still important to review them prior to every interview. Presenting a positive, professional impression of yourself to potential employers will considerably maximize the chance of landing that "perfect job."
Do:
- Greet the interviewer by "Mr. or Ms." and his/her last name. Allow the interviewer to give you permission to call him or her by their first name.
- Smile and have a firm handshake. Be sure to look the employer in the eye when talking to him/her. Be conscience of your body posture as well. An upright, sturdy appearance gives the impression of confidence.
- Listen carefully. It is important that your answers and comments are concise and relevant.
- Unless otherwise asked, discuss matters related directly to the job.
- Give specific examples to back up your skills. Instead of saying that you are skilled at developing new merchandising strategies, say, "I developed a new merchandising strategy that resulted in $20,000 of additional profit."
- Assertively express your strengths and accomplishments. It is important to give the interviewer the best impressions of your capabilities.
- Pause before answering questions. Give yourself a chance to mentally compose your answers.
- Make sure you understand each question clearly. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification or for the question to be repeated.
- Be confident and enthusiastic!
- Accentuate your skills to demonstrate how you can meet and exceed the requirements of the job.
- Ask relevant and effective questions.
- Be sure to ask when you can expect to receive a call or when you may call the employer regarding his/her decision.
Don’t:
- Be late. Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your interview time.
- Use slang or incorrect language.
- Ramble, which is easy to do if you become nervous. Remember to practice answering the Frequently Asked Interviewing Questions with a friend or family member to be as prepared and polished as possible.
- Be negative or critical when discussing a former employer. The prospective employer may become concerned about your attitude and overall view of life.
- Evade questions or pretend to know an answer. Proclaiming that you do not know something isn’t a crime, and opens an opportunity not only to express your willingness to learn, but to highlight areas where you have put your newly learned skills to productive use.
- Imply that the job is a stepping stone.
- Ask about salary, vacations and benefits. Wait until the interviewer brings up these items for discussion and/or you are offered the job.
- Discuss your social life whatsoever.
- Go into too much detail when answering questions. Keep your responses to a one-minute maximum.
- Be over eager or act desperate.
- Be late. (This is not a recording!)