Job interview dos and don'ts
Job interview dos and don'ts - the checklist
- Research the market, company and role you’re interviewing for in as much detail as you can. Don’t skip this step.
- Prepare answers in advance to the usual interview questions you know will be coming. Try using the “STAR method” for answering tough interview questions it works great!
- Practice your interview beforehand, ideally with someone acting as your interviewer.
- Arrive 10 minutes early for interview, don’t be late. If disaster strikes call to explain you’re situation.
- Ware appropriate interview attire for the company and role. Don’t dress like a stockbroker if you’re interviewing for a role as a tattoos. If in doubt call and ask.
- Take 3 clean copies of your CV / resume and any other “proof” materials you may have, also a notepad and pen.
- Make a good first impression with your interviewer.
- Relax and try to be yourself.
- Always answer honestly – it really is the best policy.
Don’t be scared to ask your own questions at any stage if unsure or anything – though don’t ask about holiday and money before you are asked.
- Smile and make natural eye contact throughout the interview. “Natural” as if speaking with a friend – not unblinking stalk eyed psycho- killer stuff.
- Demonstrate “positive” attitude – take your happy and confident “self” to the interview.
- Close the interview with a prepared positive statement confirming your interest in the role, and thanking your interviewer for their time – if you’re feeling good try a good natured “close” for the next interview or offer. This is only if you’ve decided you like the role.
Job interview dos and donts - Few critical donts
- Don’t trash or talk disparagingly about any former boss, colleague, role or company, even if they’ve got a bad reputation. Try and turn negative experiences into positive learning ones instead.
- Have prepared a killer reason why you want to join the company – “I need the cash and I only live round the corner” doesn't’t cut it!
- Follow up – ideally send a thank you letter / email as soon as you can. Then call to find when the next interview or offer will be arranged.
These are most of the basic Job interview dos and donts checklist items, and will guarantee you a pretty good interview.
However if you want to learn how to turn interviews into offers every time… You’re going to have to go a bit deeper into the subject.
Learning how to dominate interviews is quite a skill and goes way beyond the basic job interview dos and don’ts we’ve discussed so far. The good news is everyone can learn it if they want, and once learnt it will pay you back throughout your life.
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