|
|
Interview Do's
and Don’ts
Do's
- Arrive 15 minutes
early. Late attendance is never excusable.
- Clarify questions.
Be sure you answered the questions the employer really asked.
- Get the interviewer
to describe the position and responsibilities early in the conversation
so you can relate your skills
and background to the position throughout the interview.
- Give your qualifications.
Stress the accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
- Conduct yourself
professionally. Be aware of what your body language is saying. Smile,
make eye contact, don’t slouch and maintain composure.
- Anticipate tough
questions. Prepare in advance so you can turn apparent weaknesses into
strengths.
- Dress appropriately.
Make your first impression a professional one.
- Ask questions throughout
the interview. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information,
not a one-sided conversation.
- Listen. This is
probably the most important ability of all. By concentrating not only
on the employer’s words, but also on the tone of voice and body
language, you will be able to pick up on the employer’s style.
Once you understand how a hiring authority thinks, pattern your answers
accordingly and you will be able to better relate to him or her.
Don’ts
- Don’t answer
vague questions. Rather than answering questions you think you hear,
get the employer to be more specific and then respond.
- Never interrupt
the employer. If you don’t have time to listen, neither does the
employer.
- Don’t smoke,
chew gum or place anything on the employer’s desk.
- Don’t be overly
familiar, even if the employer is doing all of these things.
- Don’t wear
heavy perfume or cologne.
- Don’t ramble.
Long answers often make the speaker sound apologetic or indecisive.
On the other hand, don’t answer questions with a simple "yes"
or "no." Explain whenever possible.
- Do not lie. Answer
questions as truthfully as possible.
- Do not make derogatory
remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
The
contents of this page are reprinted with permission from www.brilliantpeople.com
|
