You’ve been searching for jobs, applying to a bunch of places, and waiting to hear back. You finally get a response, and it just so happens to be from your number one choice. Naturally, you want to ace the interview and land your dream job. CareerBum is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts to make sure your next job interview is a success!
DO err on the side of being conservative when choosing your attire to demonstrate that you are taking the interview seriously. Your personal hygiene and appearance should be flawless.
Don’t apologize for everything. It is better to accept accountability for your choices and actions.
DO know the precise time and place of your interview; estimate the time it will take to travel there, park, locate a restroom to change, etc.
Don’t disparage former employers or academics in your remarks (or others).
DO arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview begins [or earlier if the venue or employer specifically requests it].
Don’t give false information in your application or in your interview responses.
DO show consideration and kindness to everyone you come into contact with. During the hiring process, your interviewer might ask for their opinions of you.
Don’t go into the interview with a carefree attitude, as if you’re just looking around or doing it for practice. This is disrespectful to both the organization and the interviewer.
DO extend a solid handshake, make eye contact, and smile.
Don’t give an indication that you are just interested in a company because of where it is located.
DO Make sure you grasp the name and proper pronunciation of your interviewer by listening carefully.
Don’t create the appearance that you are exclusively concerned with money; wait until the employer brings up compensation and benefits before you inquire about them.
DO use the title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name of your interviewer even if they have given you their first and last names, unless they request otherwise.
Don’t act as though you would accept any job or are in need of employment.
DO keep a steady gaze during the interview.
Don’t think it is the interviewer’s responsibility to serve as your career advisor. Don’t make them guess what kind of work you are interested in.
DO Keep your seat still; refrain from moving around or slouching.
Don’t go into an interview unprepared for the normal questions. Even though not all of them will be asked of you in every interview, being unprepared will not benefit you.
DO Answer questions and whenever feasible provide specific instances to support your claims about yourself.
Don’t show your emotions of frustration from the difficulty of looking for and securing job interviews.
DO request clarification to confusing questions.
Don’t overdo it with your posture; don’t slouch or lean too far back in your chair.
DO be thorough in your comments, but keep your sentences short.
Don’t take a female interviewer’s title of “Mrs.” or “Miss.” for granted. Unless otherwise instructed, address her as “Ms.” (Use “Dr. [lastname]” if she holds a Ph.D., another doctoral degree, or a medical degree, just as you would with a male interviewer. Regardless of gender, the interview’s goal is unrelated to anyone’s marital situation.
DO be true to who you are and be your most professional self. When dishonesty is uncovered, job offers are withdrawn and employees are fired. You want yourself and your employer to mesh well. You and your employer will be upset if you land a job by pretending to be someone else.
Don’t let your phone ring during the interview. If it does, immediately apologize and disregard it. Don’t answer your mobile phone. Never read a text message.
DO take the interview seriously and act as if you are genuinely curious about the company and the job opportunity.
Don’t smell like smoking or chewing gum.
DO display a cheerful outlook. You are being assessed by the interviewer as a possible employee. Act in a way that would make you want to work with them.
Don’t go to an interview with your parents, your pet (an assistance animal is not a pet in this case), your partner, your fiance, your friends, or anybody else. You are not mature and independent enough to be considered for a job if you cannot go to an interview on your own.
DO prepare thoughtful inquiries to make to the interviewer. After doing some prior research about the employer, ask any queries that weren’t addressed there.
Land Your Next Job Interview on Careerbum.com
Now that you’ve learned some of the DOs and DON’Ts of interviewing, you will be more prepared to ace that next job interview. If you are still looking to land it in the first place, Careerbum.com is the perfect place to continue your search!
