Interview Dos and Don'ts

During the Interview

• DO complete any forms neatly and completely.
• DO greet the interviewer by surname if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you are not, ask for it to be repeated.
• DO shake hands firmly.
• DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. SMILE
• DON'T smoke even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette. Do not chew gum.
• DO maintain good eye contact with employer.
• DO follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the position.
• DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Tell those things about yourself that relate to the situation.
• DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Make the interviewer realize the need for you in the organization.
• DO be prepared to answer typical questions truthfully, frankly, and as "to the point" as possible.
• DON'T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
• DON'T "over answer" questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this can be a ticklish situation, it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say any more than necessary.
• DON'T inquire about salary, vacation, bonuses, retirement, etc. This will be covered with you in detail by the recruiter prior to acceptance of any offer. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate that you are more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary.
• DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door to opportunity.

Closing the Interview

• DO ask for the position if you are interested. Ask for the next interview if the situation demands. If the position is offered to you, and you want it, accept it on the spot. If you wish time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time, Set a definite date when you can provide an answer.
• DON'T be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with the office first. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, do not let your discouragement show. Often an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.

Express thanks for the interviewer's time and consideration of you. If you have answered these two questions: 1) Why are you interested in the company? and 2) What can you offer? You have done all you can.

After the Interview

Last and most important, call your recruiter immediately and communicate what transpired. The recruiter will want to talk with you before the interviewer calls back. If you are interested in the position your recruiter will help you get it.

What if you don't get the job?

There are many reasons why you may be passed up for a position other than the technical qualifications. Click here for 11 potential reasons for rejection.