Job Interviewing Do's and Don'ts
Here are the keys to successful job interviewing. Follow these simple
rules and you should achieve success in this important phase of
job-hunting.
• Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the
interview -- or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it
takes to get there.
• Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be
encountering. (See types of job interviews.) And do prepare and practice
for the interview, but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers.
(See our some of the best collections of interview questions.)
• Do dress the part for the job, the company and the industry. And do
err on the side of conservatism. If you're not sure, you should
consider reading our article, when Job-Hunting: Dress for Success.
• Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job
interview is never excusable. If you are running late, do phone the
company.
• Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect.
This is where you make your first impression.
• Don't chew gum during the interview.
• If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly,
completely, and accurately.
• Do bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better, if you have
a job skills portfolio, do bring that with you to the interview.)
• Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you.
No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell
yourself to the interviewer.
• Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., and Dr.) and last
name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask
the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the
interview.
• Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!
• Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do
remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and
interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
• Don't tell jokes during the interview.
• Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
• Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
• Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a
cigarette. And don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do
brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the
interview.
• Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as
"like," "uh” and "um").
• Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
• Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly
aggressive.
• Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for
employment.
• Do avoid controversial topics.
• Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors,
or employers.
• Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer
in a factual, sincere manner.
• Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and
succinctly. And don't over-answer questions.
• Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative
information about yourself.
• Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain
whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your
talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.
• Do show off the research you have done on the company and industry
when responding to questions. (See our Guide to Researching Companies.)
• Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
• Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to
evaluate the interviewer and the company she represents.
• Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or
by saying something like, "boy, that's a good question." And do repeat
the question out loud or ask for the question to be repeated to give
you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause
before responding is okay.
• Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job
you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity until you
are sure about it.
• Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off
(or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.
• Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the
company can do for you.
• Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or
other benefits until after you've received an offer. Be prepared for a
question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay salary
talk until you have an offer. (You might consider visiting our salary
tutorial for more tips and strategies.)
• Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry.
Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
• Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want
the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts
even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.)
• Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with
-- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And
don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Jon or John -- get
the spelling.
• Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you
don't forget crucial details.