Interviews Do and Don't

People never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your success or failure in getting the job is determined within the first few minutes of the interview and so it is important for you to create a positive first impression.

    Do's

• Research the current industrial trends, company and the job profile before your interview.


• Dress appropriately for the industry and arrive 10 minutes early. Know how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc


• Be sure to give a firm handshake, smile, maintain eye contact and have positive body language.


• Listen carefully to questions and if you don't understand a question, politely ask for clarification.


• You can't know everything. So, if you don't know the answer, say no politely . Don't try to give wrong answer or mislead the interviewer.


• Be honest about your background and experience.


• Do express yourself clearly with a strong voice and good diction and grammar.


• Do pay close attention to your personal appearance; dress to your advantage


• Do fill out applications neatly and completely.


• Do have as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible.


• Do display a sense of humor.


• Do display self-confidence.


• Do bring a pen and small notebook with you to the interview.


• Do remember the interviewer's name and use it during the interview.


• Do take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions.


• It is important to make an eye contact with the interviewer as you speak, which shows that you are confident and honest.


• Express authentic interest in this position you have applied for. Tell the interviewer about the inherent aspects of the job, which are of particular interest for you.


• At the end of the interview, It is likely to be asked, "do you have any questions for us?" This is the right time to ask any relative questions you have about the company or position.


• Thank the interviewer for his / her time.


• Do contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one week after the time from which he or she indicated you would be notified.

  Don'ts

• Indulge in negative talks about your previous employer.


• Be too informal.


• Speak for too long - more than two minutes is normally too much.


• Act as though you are desperate for employment.


• Appear anxious to end the interview.


• Chew gum or smell like smoke.


• Ask about the salary unless the interviewer brings it up.


• Allow your cell phone to ring during the interview.


• Don't be overbearing, overaggressive or conceited.


• Don't show a lack of interest or enthusiasm.


• Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork.


• Don't be indecisive.


• Don't display intolerance or prejudice


• Don't be late to the interview.


• Don't state specific geographic restrictions.


• Don't contradict yourself in responses.


• Don't forget: YOU control the content of the interview.


• Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are under qualified is not recommended.


• Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.


• Don't smoke, chew gum, etc. even if offered or if the interviewer does so.