The Interview - Do's and Don'ts
DO
DO smile and make eye contact.
DO relax and be friendly and polite to everyone you encounter.
DO be positive and enthusiastic; greet the interviewer with a friendly smile and a firm handshake.
DO Think about your body language; before you sit down, angle your chair towards the interviewer.
DO have some material in your document case even if it is just your research into the company and your list of questions — it will show that you have done research.
DO answer in positive terms — even about the weather. Positive answers are easier to understand and you will come across as optimistic and enthusiastic.
DO speak at a normal, controlled pace. Many people talk too quickly or mumble because of nerves, so pause before you answer a question and take your time.
DO try to put your sincerity, achievement and enthusiasm across, but avoid becoming over-serious — the occasional light aside or smile as you answer a question can go a long way.
DO ask questions that reveal you have done your homework. In addition to showing interest and knowledge, you win a moment's respite from the interviewer's questions.
DO make the occasional complimentary and knowledgeable remark about the company or its products or services — but don't overdo the flattery.
DO listen to what you are being told — it is inexcusable to ask something that your interviewer told you only two minutes earlier.
DO answer a straight 'yes' or 'no' to questions where appropriate, but remember that detailed replies will usually be wanted.
DO avoid statements such as 'I think', 'I believe'. They add nothing and quickly irritate the listener. Try also to avoid clichés such as 'basically'; if you must use a similar adverb, try 'essentially', 'fundamentally' or 'primarily', if only for variety.
DO give real-life examples to back up your points.
DO be truthful but do not volunteer negative information unless specifically asked.
DON'T:
DON'T talk about your weaknesses without saying how you are addressing them.
DON'T immediately take your jacket off even on a hot day unless invited to do so.
DON'T forget the job requirements as set out in the advertisement and tailor your replies to this end.
DON'T be caught out by the occasional, deliberate silence. If a gap does arise, ask one of your prepared questions — but choose carefully and relate it to the earlier conversation.
DON'T answer an ambiguous question without asking for clarification. It will show commendable caution and will prevent you from making a confused response.
DON'T waffle. If you do not know the answer to a question, say so – talking nonsense is much more damaging.
DON'T assume you are more knowledgeable or skilled than the person interviewing you. Interviewers are unlikely to hire someone arrogant, or who they perceive as an immediate threat to themselves.
DON'T put your needs above the company. A company wants you to demonstrate that you can match the job specification and can deliver the goods, and you do this by explaining how your skills in previous jobs or societies are easily transferable to the job under discussion.
DON'T play with your watch or jewellery, fiddle with your fingers or buttons, or engage in other distracting mannerisms.
DON'T use jargon or name drop - the 'name' might be a personal friend of your interviewer, or they might have been cold-shouldered by them.
DON'T let your interviewer bombard you with an avalanche of questions with no chance to answer before the next one is fired. If your interviewer tries that tactic, wait for a pause and then say, “You have asked a number of questions, let me answer the first on”; after that, if you still hold the floor, ask for the next question to be repeated.
DON'T argue with your interviewer. It may be that he or she is playing devil's advocate to see how you react. If things get tricky, just listen carefully, and pick up on a point on which you agree, then develop it.
DON'T repeat the questions in your answers. You could get away with it once or twice as a ploy for time to think, but it becomes irritating after that.
DON'Tlet your answers ramble on for too long. If more detail is wanted, let the interviewer ask further questions in his or her own time.
DON'Tstring everything together with 'and' or 'but'. Pause, take a breath, add a mental full stop and then continue. Beware of the 'ums' and 'ers' that pollute speech. Avoid using 'you know’, 'you see' or 'right?' - sloppy speech is not liked.
DON'T give away information about your present employer as it may give the impression that you would do the same again and that could cost you the job.
DON'T discuss salary until you’re offered the job.
REMEMBER:
- 7% is what you say
- 33% is how you say it
- 60% is your image, your body language and the overall impression you create!
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