Interview’s Dos and Don’ts

• 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.

• 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 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 stress your achievements. Avoid offering any negative information about yourself.

• If presented with a job application form, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately.

• Do bring extra resumes to the interview.

• And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.

• Don’t chew gum during the interview Don’t fidget or slouch.

• Don’t tell jokes during the interview.

• Don’t be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.

• Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.

• Do avoid controversial topics.

• Don’t ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don’t over-answer questions.

• Don’t rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.

• Don’t smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don’t smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke.