INTERVIEW TIPS

50 Interview Tips That Can Help You – The Do’s and the Don’ts

• Do come prepared.
• Do arrive early.
• Do quiz yourself in advance with practice questions.
• Do dress stylishly and meticulously.
• Do sit up straight and speak with confidence.
• Do make eye contact. But don’t overdo it to the point where you make the interviewer uncomfortable.
• Do take some time to consider your answers and respond thoughtfully. You shouldn’t feel pressured to answer each question in rapid fire.
• Do take time for pleasantries and a bit of casual social banter.
• Do your research about the company and the employer beforehand.
• Do set up Google alerts to keep you abreast of the latest developments at the company.
• Do spend time researching the market and the forces that are influencing the industry.
• Do follow up with a thank-you email, letting the interviewer know it was nice to meet them and that you look forward to hearing back soon.
• Do subtly put your name on their radar the day after the interview by liking a post on their social media account.
• Do ensure that your most recent posts on your social media accounts show something positive and professional.
• Do strike a power pose before you head to the interview. It will boost your endorphins and improve your confidence.
• Do use language that is appropriate for the job environment and demonstrate your experience by using a bit of well-placed jargon.
• Do be yourself. You want to project an authentic and genuine demeanour.
• Do understand that interviews are as much an opportunity to show the employer that you would be a pleasant person to work with as they are to demonstrate skills and experience, this is a social opportunity.
• Do consider your career goals and clearly define your reasons for wanting the job.
• Do practice your interview skills with a friend or colleague.
• Do prepare answers to common interview questions.
• Do eat a healthy and energising breakfast before going in.
• Do breath deeply, relax the muscles of your face, and take the time to pause before the interview.
• Do exercise regularly in the week leading up to the interview.
• Do your homework about the industry and the company.

BUT DON'T.....

• Don’t stress yourself out by dwelling on negative possibilities.
• Don’t slip into the non-professional language.
• Don’t simply recap your resume. An interview is a chance to demonstrate all the qualities your resume cannot.
• Don’t be brusque with the administrative staff. You need to impress every person you encounter at the company.
• Don’t forget to smile and introduce some appropriate levity into the interview.
• Don’t fail to use the interview process as a networking opportunity.
• Don’t get flustered if you slip up on a question.
• Don’t be late because you get lost along the way or encounter some unexpected circumstance. Plan for delays.
• Don’t forget that this is a fundamentally social situation. Be amiable.
• Don’t allow your answers to go off on tangents. Keep the focus on your best qualities.
• Don’t schedule for late in the week, if you can avoid it. The ideal time for an interview is 10:30 on a Tuesday when employers are most likely to remember you.
• Don’t over-caffeinate.
• Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know the answer to a question. It’s better than faking it.
• Don’t speak ill of former coworkers, employers or colleagues.
• Don’t reveal unnecessary personal information or make unprofessional remarks.
• Don’t forget to give a firm handshake.
• Don’t let your tact lapse. You need to demonstrate the diplomatic behaviour.
• Don’t apologise unnecessarily.
• Don’t fail to follow up after the interview with all of your contacts at the company.
• Don’t brag or oversell yourself. Humility is a powerful, persuasive tool.
• Don’t mention your shortcomings or make excuses.
• Don’t let nerves paralyse you. Relax and act naturally.
• Don’t forget to highlight your biggest strengths.
• Don’t panic! You’ll do great.