Here are the keys to successful job interviewing. Follow these simple rules and you should achieve
success in this important phase of job-hunting.
Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure you know
exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.
Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side
of conservatism. If you're not sure, you should consider reading our article,
When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success.
Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you are
running late, do phone the company.
Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your
first impression.
Don't chew gum during the interview.
If presented with a job application,do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately.
Do bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better, if you have a
job skills portfolio, do
bring that with you to the interview.)
Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the
position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.
Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the
pronunciation. (If you're not sure,
do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview.
Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!
Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and
posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
Don't tell jokes during the interview.
Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don't
smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a
breath mint before the interview.
Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").
Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
Do avoid controversial topics.
Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.
Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don't
over-answer questions.
Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself.
Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.
Do show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to
questions. (See our Guide to
Researching Companies.)
Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the interviewer and
the company she represents.
Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like,
"boy, that's a good question." And do repeat the question outloud or ask for the question to be repeated to
give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay.
Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing.
Never close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it.
Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent
ring) your cell phone and/or pager.
Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you.
Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you've
received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay
salary talk until you have an offer. (You might consider visiting our
salary tutorial for
more tips and strategies.)
Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask
any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and
asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say
you should close the interview by asking for the job.)
Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the
correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names --
was it Jon or John -- get the spelling.
Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget
crucial details.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search
terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers,
one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press,
including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter,
QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a
published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often
quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is
also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his
personal Website or
reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.
QUINTESSENTIAL PARTNER INTERVIEWING RESOURCE:
InterviewSmart --
the leading job interview coaching program, featuring:
Comprehensive strategies from preparation to closing the interview
The psychology of the five hidden employer concerns
Answers and techniques for nearly 100 tough general and management questions
Interactive tools to draw out and present your strengths and accomplishments
Strategies for overcoming potential liabilities
Success strategies for the 10 types of interviews
Handle salary discussions and negotiations
Prepare for each interview with the 10-minute Power Review