Interview DOs and DON'Ts

You've worked hard to get this interview! Now, make it count!

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

• Try to learn all you can about the company and the interviewer.

There are many ways to find information about the company: the Internet, company brochures, financial statements, articles written about the company, its own employees. To find out about the interviewer may be a little tougher, but not impossible: subordinates or colleagues of the interviewer may provide valuable information, such as interviewing style, valued skills and qualities, special issues or problems being faced.

• Match your strengths to the company's expectations for the position you are seeking.

Extremely important. The better the match, the better your chances. If the position is advertised, some of the expectations may be clearly stated in the ad. Again, try to learn more. Then carefully match what you have to offer, to those expectations. 

• Prepare what questions you will ask.

At some point your interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. Prepare in advance. Show your interest in the environment in which you will be working. Ask about the department’s organization, who you will report to, what autonomy employees have to be creative, to come up with new ways of doing things. Ask about what training will be available to enhance your performance capacity.

• Prepare answers to questions you may be asked. Practice aloud.

One of the most neglected aspects: PREPARATION! If you are unprepared you may give answers you will regret later. List every question you think may be asked. Then write down how you will answer that question. Have someone review your answers, and discuss them. Practicing aloud will make you much more comfortable during the interview by providing greater self-confidence. Take a close look at the Interview Questions articles on our site.

• Arrive for the interview fifteen or twenty minutes early.

If you plan to arrive early, you may still be on time even if caught up in traffic. Those 15 or 20 minutes will give you the opportunity to go to the restroom just before the interview, to relax a bit, perhaps to briefly meet the receptionist or secretary and potentially find out more about the company or the interviewer.

• Make a good impression. Be properly dressed and well groomed.

An initial bad impression is extremely difficult to overcome. Your interview attire should be somewhat above what you will generally wear on the job.

• Do not take anyone with you.

This is your "show". Do not give the impression that you need "moral support" or that you may have child issues to deal with.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

• Shake hands with your interviewer. Both men and women should have a firm, but not bone-crushing handshake.

A limp handshake projects lack of self-confidence. A firm handshake projects self-assurance.

• Stand until invited to sit. Sit straight but relaxed.

• Maintain good eye contact. Don't stare or look down or continuously away from the interviewer.

Looking away too much gives the impression that you are not sure of yourself, that you are not a good communicator, that you may be hiding something.

• Listen carefully. Answer questions frankly and briefly. Speak with confidence but do not boast.

Being brief is very important. Remember that your interview time is limited. If you spend too much time talking, the interviewer may not be able to get a complete interview, to your disadvantage.

• Show that your education, training, work experience and accomplishments fit you for the job you are seeking. Do not apologize for your lack of experience but show your flexibility.

You will be selected for a position because you are perceived to meet the requirements and expectations of the position, because you are perceived to fit in well in the organization, because it is perceived that you will do a good job. You are in effect selling yourself to the interviewer. If you lack some of the skills required, make the effort to acquaint yourself with the subject, be somewhat conversant with it, and sell your willingness to spend some of your own time acquiring the skills. Also stress your ability to learn quickly.

• Don't cry about hard luck, money difficulties, or personal problems.

If you "cry" during the interview, you are likely to cry after you are employed as well.

• Do not criticize others - especially past employers or associates.

If you criticize during the interview ...

• Do not ask about salary or benefits until you are made a firm job offer.

If you do, you will convey the impression that you are more interested in what you will get, than what you will give. The interview is designed to sell you for a position. The interviewer is trying to determine if you are a good fit. A discussion of salary or benefits before a hiring decision is made is counterproductive.

• Ask for the job! Ask when it would be OK to call back to learn of the hiring decision.

If indeed you want the position (if not, don’t ask for it!). Let the interviewer know that you are very interested.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Thank the interviewer. Shake hands as you leave.

• Obtain the mailing address of the interviewer. Write and mail a "Thank You" letter the same day.

Take this opportunity to reiterate the key points of fit for the position, and again indicate your interest in the position. This is good form, serves to remind the interviewer once again about you, and could impress simply because most people don’t do it.