Interviewing tips.
Here are my Do’s and Don’ts that I hope will help
those looking for a job.
Here
are my Do’s:
·
Ask what the dress code is and
dress adequately.
As I will state in
the don’ts section – you need to know what the dress code is before
interviewing as different companies want casual, business casual or a suit! You
need to know and prepare ahead of time.
·
Dress comfortably.
When you are comfortable,
you interview better.
·
Do your homework on the company.
Please research
the company. A simple Google search will show you when the company started, CEO
and other key leaders and what the company is about. How do you know if you
want to work at a place if you don’t know the basics of it? Seems simple, but
so many have gotten to the in person interview stage and ask interviewers to
tell them about what the company does… not a good look.
·
Arrive to the Interview 10-15
minutes early.
Sometimes being on
time is being late. During an interview it looks good to most interviewers to
be a few minutes early. Candidates should give themselves about 15 minutes
extra time to get to the interview location, park and find the interview room,
etc.
·
Shake every interviewer’s hand.
Do not ignore any
of the interviewers. Make sure to shake everyone’s hand no matter the level or
if you work with them directly or not. Give each interview the same amount of
attention, each will be weighing in on the decision to hire.
·
Look at each interviewer ad maintain
eye contact.
Eye contact is important.
Most people do not trust people that do not look them in the eye. Looking
someone in the eye (note: not starring) show them that you are alert and really
paying attention.
·
Relax and smile.
Being relaxed and
smiling makes you appear likable.
·
Give clear and concise answers to
questions.
Giving full
answers is simple enough, take a few moments to think through the question and
your answer so that you answer questions fully and clearly. It will make you
come across a good communicator – important in any job.
·
If you do not understand a
question, ask for it to be repeated.
Attempting to answer
a question that you do not understand is setting yourself up for disaster.
·
Ask relevant questions.
Do not ask
questions that can be easily found on the employer’s website… think about it.
·
Bring copies of your resume and any
other important items.
Always have extra
copies for interviewers – I don’t really need to explain this one, right?
·
Be energetic and attentive.
Again, I shouldn’t
have to explain here.
·
Ask about the next steps in the
process.
Know the next
steps so that you are prepared for them.
·
Send a thank you note.
Please don’t forget to
spellcheck and check for grammar. A hand written note versus an email – I don’t
think it matters.
And
Don’ts:
·
Do not arrive over 30 minutes early
to an interview.
Yes, we like when
a candidate is a few minutes early, however to be 30 + early to an interview
can possibly make the interviews uncomfortable as they will be finishing up
meetings and other projects. Plus, it normally leaves you there to wait for a
long period of time in the lobby.
·
Do not attempt to answer a question
that you do not completely understand.
I
get it. You want to answer questions right away. However, if you do not
understand the question given to you, you will not be able to answer correctly
and may even stumble on your words. Simply ask the interviewer to repeat the
question, or restate the question yourself to be sure you have it correctly.
Restating the question also buys you a bit more time to answer. J
·
Do not show how nervous you are.
Yes, everyone will
be nervous during an interview, however the interviewer should not see
this. Shaking, crying, sweating profusely – I have seen it all and it never
looks good!
·
Do not ask questions that the
interviewers have already answered.
This
happens so often! Pay attention during the interview. Asking questions that
have already been answered will catch the interviewers attention and not in a
good way.
·
Do not exaggerate your skills or
lie.
Never ever lie during an interview.
Normally your interviewers will know if you are exaggerating your skills and
often there will be some kind of skills test during recruiting process (think
writing test, computer/excel test, etc.) Even if you do get the job… If you don’t
have the skills you won’t have the job long. Trust me this has happened before…
·
Do not slouch, frown or make any
other negative or uninterested body language.
Posture, posture,
posture – is very important. When you show signs of disinterest, your
interviewers will see you as a negative person and will not want to hire you.
Most interviewers are looking for someone that they will like to work with –
negative employees are not likable!
·
Do not overdress.
Don’t overdo it. Look back at
my Do’s list and see that you should know what the dress code is before an
interview. Most employers want to see interviewers dress business casual others
you need to wear a suit and there are even some places where you should dress
more casually. In any case – wear something that you are comfortable in. The
more comfortable you are, the more relaxed and the better you will do in any
meeting.
Jess
Jess
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