It should be no surprise that getting a new job depends mainly on a successful interview. You must be well-prepared and avoid some typical interview faux pas to achieve an excellent interview result. This will help increase your confidence while facing the pressure of a job interview so you can make sure you put your best foot forward.
To help you ace your interview, I have prepared 10 dos and don’ts for job interviews.
The dos
1. Do your assignment
The first and most crucial stage in the job interview process is preparation. Going in without preparation means letting yourself down before the interview even begins. Researching the firm you are interviewing for can give you a leg up and demonstrate your interest in the industry.
Check out their website and current news stories to expand your investigation and find out what the media says about the firm. Don’t stop there; look into the interviewer’s background, professional experience, and notable accomplishments.
2. Do a last-minute check
Before the interview, check your teeth, hair, and attire. Ensure everything you need is with you, including your resume and any document you were asked to bring. If you can fix it before your interview, do it immediately. If not, remain calm and try to salvage the situation as best as possible.
3. Create a favorable first impression
First impressions matter greatly when attending a job interview. It could be the reason you are hired or not. If you are attending a face-to-face interview, make travel arrangements, practice the interview if it will be in an unfamiliar setting, and arrive for the interview a few minutes early. It is unacceptable to come late for a job interview. Bring your resume and ensure you are familiar with the contents so you can discuss it with assurance and provide examples.
If your job interview is online, you must make adequate preparations to make an excellent first impression. Test your video tool the day before to minimize technical difficulties during a video interview. On the interview day, ensure you are prepared and in a comfortable, peaceful location at least 15 minutes early. The best option is to grin confidently and project enthusiasm and engagement; you won’t have the luxury of a solid handshake or eye contact with the interviewer.
It’s crucial to look the part; a well-fitting suit is usually a safe choice. Your presentation shows interest in the position and how much you care about leaving a positive impression.
4. Be composed
During the interview, give a firm handshake to every person you encounter. For improved posture during the interview, sit on a chair rather than a sofa. As additional persons enter the room to participate in the interview, get up from your chair to warmly greet and shake hands.
Try not to be anxious. Remember that this won’t be an interrogation; this will be more of a chat. Relax and calm yourself before the interview. It won’t do you well if you are too anxious to do well in your interview. Preparing adequately beforehand and familiarizing yourself with your interview environment will help.
5. Be truthful and authentic
Portray your best self in the interview, and never someone you are not. When dishonesty is exposed, employment offers are rescinded, and people are fired. You want your boss and yourself to get along well. You will not be satisfied with your job if you pretend to be someone else to be employed.
6. Present a cheerful disposition
If only for your sunny disposition, your interviewer should want to employ you. The interviewer is assessing you for a possible position with them, which means you will become their colleague if you are used, so act in a way that makes them want to collaborate with you.
7. Pay attention and respond appropriately
You should give your interviewer your undivided attention; do not let your mind wander during an interview. Interviewers often complain that the applicant needs to provide a straight and concise response to the query. Listen carefully and provide relevant, experience-based examples in your responses to any question. Ensure you respond to the interviewer’s questions, not just the ones you think you should.
Pay attention to the interviewer’s body language, tone of voice, and what they say. Adapt your responses to better connect to the interviewer after you better understand their thought process. Ask the interviewer for clarification before responding to any unclear questions.
8. Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer
Remember that an interview is a two-way conversation; by offering questions, you may show that you are interested in the position and are driven to achieve for the firm. It will also help you stand out from the competition. It will also help you decide whether this is the opportunity or company you want to work for.
Research the company thoroughly and ask questions that show you have done your homework. Ask about your concerns and explanations for things you didn’t understand while researching the company. Act courteously and decently, but have an open mind regarding the organization’s principles and goals and how you are treated.
9. Promote your abilities and knowledge
Make sure you succinctly and truthfully convey to the interviewer what your strengths are.
Any abilities pertinent to the position will be highlighted by effectively communicating your expertise and accomplishments. Prepare a career narrative that highlights your interests, talents, and experiences. You should also include personal anecdotes that highlight your professional and behavioral qualities. Emphasize achievements that are most relevant to the position.
10. Make an elegant exit
You may have done incredibly in your interview and then ruined it by leaving too hastily. Thank your interviewer before leaving, and offer a handshake as well. And lastly, send a thank you email and show your enthusiasm in hearing from them. This keeps you in the forefront of their thoughts and is courteous.
The don’ts
1. Don’t disparage your previous or current employment in public
Even if they are competitors of the firm you are applying for, always talk good about your previous and current employers. Never mention anything wrong about a past workplace, even if you had a terrible time there. This is a serious red flag, and it will cause your interviewer to doubt your professionalism and believe you would do the same to them. Discover something good to say about each employment you’ve had since hiring managers want to see a positive mindset
2. Never misrepresent information
Respond to inquiries honestly and as concisely as you can. Describe and explain aspects about yourself relevant to the job and accurately represent your prior experience. When being questioned about something that is not one of your strong points, be truthful and let the interviewer know that you are open to learning more about it and how you can improve your knowledge of it. After that, mention any advantages you may have in a different field.
3. Don’t interrupt the interviewer
Being a good talker and listener is equally crucial. It demonstrates your maturity and adeptness in social situations. When your interviewer is talking or asking you a question, never interrupt them. Wait for them to finish before talking. He or she won’t have time to listen if you don’t.
4. Never allow a previous rejection to affect a subsequent one
Looking for a good job is always challenging. You may have to attend several interviews and get rejected a few times. It is a regular aspect of life, so do not get discouraged or angry; instead, try to regard each interview as a fresh chance and note any errors you’ve made in the past. To ensure you are at your best, try to give yourself some time between interviews if you have many scheduled.
5. Do not be too relaxed
Remember that this is an interview. No matter what level of the interview you are at or who you are meeting with—it might be over coffee, a few drinks, or just a last conversation—it is still a chance to determine if you are a good fit for the position.
Try to maintain professionalism as much as you can. Don’t put anything on the interviewer’s desk, smoke, or chew gum. Even if the interviewer seems acquainted, don’t seem too friendly, use first names, joke a lot, pat yourself on the back, etc. When your interviewer greets you, provide a firm handshake, look them in the eye, and wear a smile. Avoid using your mobile phone during the interview. If it does ring, swiftly apologize and turn it off. Also, avoid answering calls and checking text messages.
Make sure you get the name and pronunciation of your interviewer by paying attention. Until instructed differently, address your interviewer using their title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name, even if they provide you their first and last names.
6. Do not ramble
Long responses may come out as unsure of yourself or needing more concentration. On the other hand, steer clear of providing a simple, straightforward “yes” or “no” response to inquiries. Instead, use succinct, targeted examples from your past work experience.
7. Do not accept poor treatment
Anticipate receiving adequate treatment and keep yourself from being treated otherwise, no matter how much you want the job.
8. Don’t make excuses
Accept accountability for the choices and deeds you commit to. This will show that you are a responsible individual and will take account of your mistakes in the workplace.
9. Avoid coming off as materialistic or desperate
Acting as if you would accept any job or need work is inappropriate.
Avoid conveying that an organization’s location is the primary reason it interests you. Avoid being salary-focused and wait to inquire about compensation and perks until the employer brings it up.
10. Do not be too humble
Your moment to shine is during a job interview. Talk with confidence about all of your noteworthy accomplishments and abilities. However, you should avoid bragging.
