So, after weeks of late nights and countless applications, you’ve finally got the interview. In this article, we’ll be discussing the do’s and don’t in order to bring your best professional self to the table and secure that job. Good luck!
Don’t:
Make excuses - take responsibility for your decisions and actions.
Make negative comments about previous employers, professors or colleagues.
Treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This can be seen as an insult to the interviewer and the company.
Give the impression you are primarily interested in the pay; only ask about salary and benefits when the subject is brought up.
Act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
Make the interviewer guess what type of work you are interested in; it’s not their job to act as a career advisor for you. Understand the role and sector you may be going into.
Assume a female interviewer is "Mrs." or "Miss." Address her as "Ms." unless told otherwise. (If she has a medical degree, use "Dr." just as you would with a male interviewer.)
Chew gum or smell like smoke.
Leave your mobile phone on during the interview. Leave it on silent in your bag.
Do:
Outline your answers to typical interview questions beforehand: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/top-interview-questions-and-answers?from=careerguide-autohyperlink-en-US
Dress appropriately - smart business wear is usually the safest option. Iron your outfit of choice the night before to avoid wrinkles.
Arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview (or earlier if instructed). If you’re heading into an unfamiliar area, allow extra time to find the correct building.
Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect, whether it’s site staff or partners in the firm. Their opinions of you might be considered when making a hiring decision.
Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and smile when greeted by your interviewer. Pay attention to their name and the correct pronunciation. Even if your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address them by their title (e.g: Ms., Mr., Dr.) until invited otherwise.
Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching. If this is difficult, use your hands to illustrate your points when talking, and keep your back straight to display confidence.
Back up your answers with specific examples whenever possible, and ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. Highlight your key skills and experience that make you a great fit for the job.
Be honest and exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is assessing you as a potential co-worker, so behave like someone you would want to work with.
Evaluate the interviewer and the organisation they represent. An interview is a two-way street, so ensure this is a company you want to work for.
Having done your research about the employer and company in advance, make sure you have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
Make yourself aware as to the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next.
After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget important details. Writing a thank-you letter to your interviewer is also a good idea!