Do’s And Don’ts For A Job Interview
Don’t s
Don’t memorize a speech
Although it is highly recommended that you prepare yourself according to questions that you may predict will come, but that doesn’t mean you memorize self-made ‘answers’. Many candidates, although extremely talented, loose out because of this. The interviewer will immediately make out if you are being natural or not. Be yourself. The company wants to see the real person in you, not a speech writer!
Don’t ignore basic etiquette
Everyone knows about the basic etiquette one should maintain in an interview, but inevitably we seem to forget the simplest things and end up losing the job due to a poor impression. Keep in mind simple things like not to chew gum or smoke, greet the interviewer by their title and first name, give a firm handshake, not to sit down on the chair until offered, not to slouch, but sit upright and not to take calls on your cell phone during the interview.
Don’t exaggerate or mislead
In short, don’t lie. HR executives have the knack of fishing out liar applicants. One lie regarding your profile will lead to another and this may lead you into a perilous situation of gaining a bad reputation and being written off. If you are asked something regarding the position that you don’t know, be frank and tell them that you don’t. They will appreciate this honesty.
Don’t answer in monosyllables
Every question asked to you by the interviewer should be your opportunity to display as many qualities about yourself as you possibly can, without it being in-your-face. If you give abrupt answers only in “yes” or “no” or any other one word reply, you are cutting down on your opportunities.
Don’t sound greedy
Even if your interview goes well, don’t get tempted into inquiring about pay packages and benefits too soon. You should take this step only once you have received an offer. If you find the offer unsuitable to you, you can always decline or negotiate it. Avoid sounding greedy about the money (even if you aren’t) by inquiring about it at the wrong time. During your interview, the only thing that should come across is your passion for the role.
When your interview ends, thank the interviewer for their time and exchange business cards with them. Follow up with your own references to inform them about a crosscheck phone call that they might get and maintain a regular follow up with the company. The key is to keep calm and be yourself. The minute you try to ‘make up’ a personality which is not you, it will come through in the interview.
