Interview Dos and Don'ts
People never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your success or failure in getting the job is determined within the first few minutes of the interview and so it is important for you to create a first impression positive.
Don't expect your resume alone to win the job for you, you will need to communicate why you are the right candidate. Do proper research to know about the company and the job profile and the type of interview you will be encountering. Do proper practice for the interview, but don't memorize your answers. Follow these simple tips to achieve success in this important phase of job-hunting.
Do's
- Research the current industrial trends, company and the job profile before your interview.
- Arrive 10 minutes early.
- Be sure to give a firm handshake, smile, maintain eye contact and have positive body language.
- Listen carefully to questions and if you don't understand a question, politely ask for clarification.
- You can't know everything. So, if you don't know the answer, say no. Don't try to give wrong answer or mislead the interviewer.
- Be honest about your background and experience.
- It is important to make an eye contact with the interviewer as you speak, which shows that you are confident and honest.
- Express authentic interest in this position you have applied for. Tell the interviewer about the inherent aspects of the job, which are of particular interest for you.
- At the end of the interview, It is likely to be asked, "do you have any questions for us?" This is the right time to ask any relative questions you have about the company or position.
- Thank the interviewer for his / her time.
- Send a thank you note.
Don'ts
- Indulge in negative talks about your previous employer.
- Make vague statements - be concise and specific.
- Be too informal.
- Speak for too long - more than two minutes is normally too much.
- Act as though you are desperate for employment.
- Appear anxious to end the interview.
- Chew gum or smell like smoke.
- Ask about the salary unless the interviewer brings it up.
- Allow your cell phone to ring during the interview.
