The 10 dos and don'ts of Interviewing
The Do's
Many people ask us what are the major skills needed to do a good job in an interview. There are a lot more than 10. However, There are more important points than others. These are some of them. Before we get started it is extremely important that you seek professional assistance to help with your interviewing skills. DxDt's consultants can help you do that.
The Do's
1. Wear Professional Clothing
First Impressions are key to your overall image. Without this you have no chance.
2. Practice makes Perfect
Always do some Role-Playing with a friend or family member. Get them to ask you likely questions and answer them like you would in the interview. Get some feedback on your performance.
3. Do your homework
Have you checked the company's website. Do you know what they do? How's their stock doing? Are they even public? What is the position's responsibilities? etc.
4. Know Thyself
Do you know everything you've put on your resume? How does it look if an interviewer asks you about a particular portion of your resume and you have to say " uhh, what? Let me see that!"
Doesn't look good, period.
5. Ask questions
Your interviewer wants to know your level of interest. You must have at least 3 questions prepared and ask them. Otherwise, it feels like you have no interest whatsoever in the position or the company.
The don'ts
1. Don't be late
"Oh but my dog ate my watch so I didn't know what the time was" sounds just as bad as " I had to drop off the kids to school." If you knew you had other engagements very close to the time of the meeting, why didn't you plan or ask for a different time to interview? It's your responsibility to plan ahead and give notice.
2. Don't "talk" negatively
This is a key point , especially about your past employers. Even if you've had bad experiences. It makes your interviewer question your credibility. IF you MUST say something negative about your past work then, paint it in a positive light. " well my boss harassed me on a daily basis in my last job. I'm sure he was stressed out though." says the truth but paints it in a slightly positive light.
3. Don't get too comfortable
With some interviewers you'll hit it off instantly. So REMEMBER your boundaries. It takes minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years to build good rapport. It takes one sentence and 2 seconds to destroy everything you've built.
4. Don't give Fake responses
People can always tell how genuine you are. Answer a question to the best of your ability but don't memorize answers. It makes you look fake, dishonest and unworthy. Answer the questions to the best of your ability but be mindful of how you say certain things.
5. Don't forget to smile
We are a walking, talking, living book. Everything we do or say, even to some sub-conscious level is read by others. Make sure your interviewer doesn't hate you with a passion by the time you're done.
Smile, you'll live longer!!!
- Career Center -