Interviewing Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Tardiness is never excusable.
- Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
- Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
- Be professional. Smile, make eye contact, and maintain good posture.
- Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
- Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.
- Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
- Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
Don'ts
- Don't answer vague questions. Ask the interviewer to clarify fuzzy questions.
- Don't interrupt the interviewer. If you don't listen, the interviewer won't either.
- Don't be disrespectful. Don't smoke, chew gum or place anything on the interviewer's desk.
- Don't be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is.
- Don't wear heavy perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not share your tastes.
- Don't ramble. Overlong answers may make you sound apologetic or indecisive.
- Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully.
- Don't express bitterness. Avoid derogatory remarks about present or former employers.
Closing the Interview
Job candidates often second-guess themselves after interviews. By asking good questions and closing strongly, you can reduce post-interview doubts. If you feel that the interview went well and you want to take the next step, express your interest to the interviewer.
Try an approach like the following: "After learning more about your company, the position and responsibilities, I believe that I have the qualities you are looking for. Are there any issues or concerns that would lead you to believe otherwise?"
This is an effective closing question because it opens the door for the hiring authority to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, you may be able to create an opportunity to overcome them, and have one final chance to dispel the concerns, sell your strengths and end the interview on a positive note.
A few things to remember during the closing process
- Don't be discouraged if an offer is not made or a specific salary is not discussed. The interviewer may want to communicate with colleagues or conduct other scheduled interviews before making a decision.
- Make sure that you have thoroughly answered these questions during the interview: "Why are you interested in our company?" and "What can you offer?" Express appreciation for the interviewer's time and consideration.
- Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can write a thank you letter as soon as possible.
Follow-up
After your interview, follow-up is critical. When you get in your car, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. A "thank you" letter should be written no later than 24 hours after the interview. Be sure to call your recruiter to discuss your interview and your next steps, as well.
30 Things You Should Know About Interviewing
Somebody once said, "Nothing is more uncommon than common sense." Accordingly, here are 30 things I think common sense should dictate:
- Leave for the interview with plenty of time to spare for the unexpected: traffic jam, car trouble, etc.
- Never go to an interview with a full bladder.
- Never chew gum, and obviously not tobacco.
- Don't allow the job title to influence your decision.
- Wear conservative business attire. If the venue is very casual, overdress slightly. (Men: wear a sport jacket and tie. Women: wear tailored separates.)
- Never consider moving anywhere your family has no desire to live.
- Never ask to use the hiring authority's phone.
- Don't look at your watch.
- Remove your sunglasses.
- Maintain eye contact, but don't stare.
- Listen intently, so you don't have to keep repeating, "I'm sorry, but could you say that again?"
- Don't ask about perks.
- Ask for the spelling of the interviewer's name and write it down.
- Don't mention a salary range in your resume or during an interview.
- Don't tailor your personality in an attempt to charm your interviewer.
- Remain silent about your personal problems.
- Go to the interview unaccompanied.
- Don't park at a meter or in a tow zone.
- Don't drop names.
- Schedule nothing around your interview that will create a time crunch.
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Keep your eyes off the interviewer's desk.
- Don't handle anything, especially personal belongings.
- Get a haircut and shave if you need one.
- Avoid strong fragrances.
- Never be sarcastic.
- If required to drive others, perhaps to lunch, obey the law, exercise caution, and stay calm.
- Never criticize anyone, especially an employer.
- If asked to complete a form or application, fill in every space. Never write, "See resume."
- Don't linger. A long farewell is annoying.
Weighing the Job Offer
A number of factors come under consideration when you're making a decision about a job offer. Obviously there's "the package"—but putting the monetary value of the position aside for one moment, there are other aspects of the job to evaluate.
The position
- Why is it available, and how long has the position been open for?
- What happened to the previous employee?
- Have you seen a detailed job description? What are the specific responsibilities?
- Can you perform the responsibilities set out for the role?
- Do the daily activities actually appeal to you?
- Is there an opportunity for you to develop new skills?
- Are the goals set for the position fair, realistic and achievable?
- What is the growth potential in this role? Will it be a stepping-stone to your next desired role? How does this position fit with your long-term career goals?
The company
- Where does the company sit in its own market? Who are its competitors? What is its market share?
- How is business? Is the company growing, maintaining its size or shrinking? What is the potential of the company, and how will that affect your role?
- How experienced/respected are its management, and how long have they been there?
- Does the company have a high retention of people, or is there a problem?
- Is the company culture (and its values) compatible with your own?
The boss
- How long has this person been in this position, and what are his/her reporting lines (upwards)?
- What is his/her background, including previous work experience?
- What is his/her next likely career step?
- Do you get along with this person, and do you think you could work effectively with him/her?
Other factors to consider
- How will this new role fit with your existing (or desired) lifestyle?
- How will you cope with the stress and pressures of the new role, and of changing jobs?
- How long do you think this job will keep you happy?
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