Do's and Don'ts for a job interview

 

Follow the following do's and don'ts, you can present yourself in the best possible light during a job interview and increase your chances of success.

Do's:

1. Research the Company: Learn about the company's history, culture, products, and recent news. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with the company's values and goals.

2. Prepare Responses: Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements. Practice answering questions concisely and confidently.

3. Dress Appropriately: Choose professional attire that is appropriate for the company culture and industry. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

4. Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for your interview. This shows punctuality and allows you to compose yourself before the interview begins.

5. Bring Copies of Your Resume: Even if you have submitted your resume online, bring printed copies to the interview. Offer them to the interviewer if needed.

6. Maintain Eye Contact and Positive Body Language: Make eye contact, smile, and maintain good posture throughout the interview. This demonstrates confidence and engagement.

7. Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, role, team dynamics, or future projects. This shows genuine interest and curiosity.

8. Highlight Your Achievements: Use specific examples to illustrate your accomplishments and how they relate to the position you're applying for. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

9. Follow Up with a Thank-You Note: Send a personalized thank-you email to your interviewer(s) within 24 hours of the interview. Express appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.

 Don'ts:

1. Don't Arrive Unprepared: Lack of preparation can make you appear disinterested or unqualified for the role. Research the company and practice your responses beforehand.

2. Don't Speak Negatively About Previous Employers or Experiences: Stay positive and professional when discussing past experiences, even if they were challenging. Focus on what you learned and how you grew from those experiences.

3. Don't Interrupt or Overshare: Listen actively to the interviewer's questions and avoid interrupting. Keep your responses concise and relevant to the question asked. Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.

4. Don't Lie or Exaggerate: Be honest about your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Lying or exaggerating can damage your credibility and reputation if discovered later.

5. Don't Be Disrespectful: Treat everyone you encounter during the interview process with respect, including receptionists, assistants, and other staff members. Rudeness or dismissiveness can reflect poorly on your character.

 6. Don't Forget to Follow Up: Sending a thank-you note after the interview is important to express gratitude and reiterate your interest. It also keeps you top of mind with the interviewer(s).

7. Don't Focus Solely on Salary and Benefits: While compensation is important, avoid discussing salary and benefits too early in the interview process. Focus on showcasing your qualifications and fit for the role first.

8. Don't Panic if You Don't Know an Answer: It is okay to admit when you don't know the answer to a question. Stay calm, and offer to provide more information later if possible. Use the opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills.