Here’s a breakdown of the dos and don’ts when it comes to mastering the job interview:
Dos:
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission, vision, products, services, and recent news. This demonstrates enthusiasm and genuine interest.
Dress Appropriately: Ensure you’re dressed professionally and in alignment with the company culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Arrive on Time: Punctuality shows respect for the interviewer’s time. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Practice Common Interview Questions: While you can’t anticipate every question, you can prepare answers for common ones, such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Describe a challenging situation you’ve handled at work.”
Ask Questions: This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role and company. Prepare a few questions in advance, and also jot down questions that arise during the interview.
Maintain Good Body Language: Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and avoid fidgeting.
Listen Actively: Show that you’re engaged by nodding occasionally, maintaining eye contact, and not interrupting.
Clarify Doubts: If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification rather than guessing.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Tie your past experiences to the role you’re applying for. This demonstrates your suitability for the job.
Thank the Interviewer: Always express gratitude for the opportunity to interview, both at the start and conclusion.
Don’ts:
Avoid Speaking Negatively About Past Employers: Even if you had a negative experience, frame it in a constructive manner.
Don’t Overshare: Keep answers professional and related to the job. Avoid delving into personal matters unless they’re directly related to the conversation.
Avoid Using Filler Words: Phrases like “um”, “like”, and “you know” can make you seem less confident. Practice speaking clearly and concisely.
Don’t Bring Up Salary or Benefits Too Early: Wait for the interviewer to broach the topic or until a follow-up discussion.
Avoid Lying or Exaggerating: Always be truthful about your experience and qualifications. Dishonesty can easily be discovered.
Don’t Show Desperation: Even if you really need the job, avoid coming across as desperate or willing to accept any terms.
Avoid Being Unprepared: Showing up without knowledge about the company or role can come across as disinterest.
Don’t Forget to Follow Up: Neglecting to send a thank-you note or email post-interview can make you seem ungrateful or disinterested.
