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INTERVIEWS DO'S AND DONT'S |
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Interview Do’s and Don’ts
“If I was given six hours to chop down trees, I would spend the first four sharpening
the axe.”
This is what Abraham Lincoln said with regard to good preparation before undertaking
any task. It is often said a battle well begun is half won. So when your dream job
appears just an interview away, give it your best shot. Have a positive attitude
and a ‘can do’ approach.
The following steps will guide you in your preparation for the interview:
Few Do’s
- Dress Appropriately: Your personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
- Be Punctual: Make sure you reach the venue atleast 15 minutes early to avoid any
embarrassment. If you are still late, do give a courtesy call to the company to
inform about your late coming.
- Be Confident: Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression
when you are greeted by your interviewer. Maintain a good eye contact during the
interview without glaring at the interviewer.
- Be Attentive: Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer's name and the correct
pronunciation.
- Prepare Well: Know your resume in and out. In case someone else has prepared it
for you know it like the back of your hand. Do a thorough search about the company, its products or any latest development in the company. A well informed candidate
is always liked by interviewers.
- Be Elaborative: Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself
with specific examples whenever possible. Interviewers are more interested in your
thought process and approach rather than a mere’ Yes’ or ‘No’.
- Be Yourself: Landing up in a job by pretending someone else will make you and your
employer both unhappy.
- Be Positive: Exhibit a positive attitude; the interviewer is evaluating you as a
potential co-worker. Behave like someone you would want to work with.
- Say ‘No’: You are not expected to know everything when you don’t know an answer
to the question. Interviewers appreciate honesty.
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Ask Questions: Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer when given
an opportunity to do so. Interview is a two way process which gives a chance to
the interviewer to evaluate you and also you gave the freedom to know the company
and access whether it is a right place for you to join. Be cautious not to ask irrelevant
questions as that can put off the interviewer.
- Know the Next Step: Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring
process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action
you are expected to take next, if any.
- Make Notes: After the interview, make notes right away so that you don't forget
critical details.
- Thank You: Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly.
- Last but not the least: Carry an extra copy of your resume and a passport size photograph.
You never know when you might need it.
Few Don’ts
- Sit down before the interviewer – wait until they do or until you have been asked.
- Talk too much. Communication is a two-way thing so give them a chance.
- Exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview.
- Go to extremes with your posture; don't slouch or sit rigidly on the edge of your
chair.
- Make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others).
- Falsify application materials or answers to interview questions. Your lie can make
you nervous and put you at a back foot.
- Don't ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your
interviewer.
- Show your desperation for the job.
- Bring up your personal issues or matters during the interview.
- Show the anxiety to finish the interview.
If you still don’t make it, don’t lose hope. You can ask for the feedback from interviews
where you have been turned down and it can be invaluable for improving future results. Remember, there’s a job out there for you somewhere.
Best of Luck...
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