Job Interview
Tips – Do’s & Don’ts
In this day and age it can
become increasingly difficult to even get your foot in the door and get
an interview; once you’ve accomplished that you will want to
make sure you continue to put your best foot forward and nail
the interview as well.
Understanding what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in an interview are critical to receiving a job offer.
Unfortunately, as great as
their skills, experience and education are; the interview is where many
people lose a job opportunity to
their competition.
Dress
Appropriately - Job Interview Tips # 1
If you don’t take
the time and effort to wear appropriate clothing to the interview, you
will lose the job before you even get a chance to explain why you are
the best candidate.
What you wear to the interview will greatly depend upon the industry or field for which you are applying.
Any office related position
will require that you wear clothing that is no more casual than a
button up shirt, slacks and tie for men and either a nice slacks/skirt
and blouse combo for ladies or a dress/suit.
Only under rare circumstances
would you need to wear anything more casual and this generally includes
fields such as transportation, construction, mechanics, etc.
Don’t go overboard
on the use of cologne or perfume …
Many people suffer from allergies and the last thing you want to do is cause your prospective employer an allergy attack.
Additionally, clothing should
be conservative and preferably reflect neutral tones. Avoid excessive
jewelry.
Go Alone
– Job Interview Tips # 2
There is absolutely no reason
for anyone else to attend the interview with you and this includes
parents, children as well as spouses and significant others. If you are
having a friend or relative drive you to the interview, politely ask
them to wait outside for you.
If for some reason, you are unable to obtain childcare for the time of your interview, phone ahead and politely ask to reschedule.
While this is not the best way
to start off your relationship with the employer, it is a much better
option than taking your child with you.
Pace Your
Conversation – Job Interview Tips # 3
Pace your conversation during
the interview.
There is a fine line between
not talking enough and talking too much. Answer questions directly,
elaborate when necessary but don’t ramble.
Be Polite
– Job Interview Tips #4
Make sure you are polite to
everyone you meet while you are waiting for your interview.
This is
extremely important because:
- These people may be your future co-workers
- You never know who has the boss’ ear
and will report your rude behavior
Be Punctual
– Job Interview Tips #5
Arrive early ... if your
interview is scheduled for 1:00 pm; make sure you are there no later
than 12:30 pm. It is quite common for employers to ask candidates to
complete applications and other paperwork
prior to their interview, whether they specify this when they schedule
the interview with you or not.
Prepare
Thoroughly – Job Interview Tips #6
Make sure you are prepared for
the interview.
This means that you have both
practiced for the interview and have brought along all materials that
you may need for any circumstance. (pens, pencils, notepad, extra
copies of your resume, etc.)
Also make sure you have
copies of your drivers’ license and Social Security card in
case
the employer needs to make copies for future employment records.
Be Honest
– Job Interview Tips #7
Honesty is the best policy
… this cannot be emphasized enough!
Employers many times move in
the same social circles and there is a very good chance that if you fib
during an interview you will be found out
sooner or later.
Even if you have already been
hired, lying on an application or during an interview is grounds for
dismissal with most companies.
Don’t
Smoke – Job Interview Tips #8
Don’t smoke or chew
tobacco just before or during your interview.
Also remember to spit out gum,
if you chew it. Additionally, if you do smoke, remember to spritz
yourself with light cologne or perfume before you meet with the
employer as well as pop in a breath mint.
Turn Off Your
Cell Phone – Job Interview Tips #9
Turn off your cell phone and
pager prior to your interview.
There is nothing more insulting
to an employer or disrupting during an interview to
have a cell phone or page continue to ring/beep. Let your voice mail
catch any incoming calls.
Be Enthusiastic
– Job Interview Tips #10
Don’t underestimate
the power of enthusiasm! Let the employer know how interested you are
in the position and what a great job you can do.
Good luck and be sure to
apply these job interview tips!
