Do's
Do
take a practice run to the location where you are having
the interview -- or be sure you know exactly where it is
and how long it takes to get there.
Do
your research and know the type of job interview you will
be encountering. And do prepare and practice for the interview,
but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers.
Do
dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And
do err on the side of conservatism. If you're not sure,
you should consider reading our article, When Job-Hunting:
Dress for Success.
Do
plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for
a job interview is never excusable. If you are running late,
do phone the company.
Do
greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect.
This is where you make your first impression.
Do
close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you
want the job and asking about the next step in the process.
(Some experts even say you should close the interview by
asking for the job.)
Do
try and get business cards from each person you interviewed
with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first
and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple
names -- was it Jon or John -- get the spelling.
Do
immediately take down notes after the interview concludes
so you don't forget crucial details.
Do
write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who
interviewed you. (You can see some sample thank-you letters
here.) And do know all the rules of following up after the
interview.
Do
ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry.
If
presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly,
completely, and accurately.
Do
bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better, if you
have a job skills portfolio, do bring that with you to the
interview.)
Do
greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last
name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not
sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before
going into the interview.
Do
shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!
Do
wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do
remember body language and posture: sit upright and look
alert and interested at all times.
Do
make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
Do
show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
Do
avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such
as "like," "uh," and "um").
Do
have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly
aggressive.
Do
avoid controversial topics.
Describe
those things about yourself that showcase your talents,
skills, and determination. Give examples.
Do
show off the research you have done on the company and industry
when responding to questions. (See our Guide to Researching
Companies.)
Do
show what you can do for the company rather than what the
company can do for you.
Do
make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer
in a factual, sincere manner.
Do
stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information
about yourself.
Do
remember that the interview is also an important time for
you to evaluate the interviewer and the company they represents.
Do
always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get
the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity
until you are sure about it.
