You finally got that interview you’ve been wanting for weeks. It’s crunch time. If you really want the job, it’s as important to know what NOT to do in the interview as it is to be qualified. Keep in mind the things listed below, or you are likely to get a “thanks no thanks” e-mail before you even get home!
Do Not Forget Facts: Most companies require a job application or assessment tool in addition to your resume. Writing “see resume” is not acceptable. Bring an extra copy of your resume so you can fill out the job history section on the application accurately.
Do Not Dis Your Old Boss: Praise in public and criticize in private. If you have nothing nice to say, better to say nothing at all. If you hated your old boss, focus on your accomplishments. People tend to think if you’ll talk that way about someone else behind their back, especially to someone you just met, you will do the same thing to them. Loose lips sink ships.
Do Carefully Research the Company: Visit the company’s website and learn as much as you can before the interview. If you know nothing about the company, there is no way you will get hired. Plain and simple.
Do Not Show up Dressed for Un-success: The rule of thumb is to wear a suit to a job interview, always, even if the culture is business casual. Groom yourself well, get a haircut, shave, clean under your fingernails, polish your shoes, and use a scant amount of cosmetics. Watch scents. Don’t walk in reeking of either cologne or cigarette smoke. Avoid offensive foods such as garlic and onions the night before the interview. Make sure you are rested and hydrated and appear “bright eyed and bushy tailed.”
Do Connect with the Hiring Manager: Don’t look at the ground, make eye contact. Wipe your palms off to make sure they are not clammy. Exude confidence and don’t be a shrinking violet. Walk tall and sit up straight.
Do Not Be a Chatterbox: Sometimes when people get nervous, they feel the need to fill dead air with noise. Don’t be tempted to do that. Answer the question you have been asked and then shut up. Pause to give the hiring manager a few minutes to digest your answer and move on. Don’t take over the interview process. Let the hiring manager lead.
Do Not Clam Up: If you answer the hiring manager in monosyllables, he or she will have to work too hard to elicit the information needed to make a decision about you. Respond fully but briefly to all of the interview questions. If you give too little information, you may be seen as evasive.
Do Send a Thank You Note: Many hiring managers will consider it down right rude for you not to send a thank you note and re-express interest in the open position. Ideally, this should be sent the minute you get home from the interview so the hiring manager gets it right away.
A mistake is only a mistake if you don’t learn from it. So, if you have a fiasco, pick yourself up and try again.
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