At some point in your life you will have or will be interviewed. Most people get nervous when it comes to interviews, so the best thing you can do is prepare yourself. Listed below are the do’s and don’t at an interview. They will help you out for the next time you go to an interview.
DO
- Turn up on time, if not early for your interview. You have to make a good first impression. If you turn up late, then the interviewer will remember this. This will be the first thing you are assessed on, so make sure you get there on time!
- Dress smartly. It does not matter whether your interview is at a popular clothes shop or at the bank, dressing smartly is necessary. This will also make a good first impression.
- Ask questions. Asking questions is good. This shows you are interested in the job and what they do there. Although, make sure the questions are relevant, for example, you could ask something like ‘What would my role include?’
- Think about your responses. It would be a good idea to go over some interview questions before the interview so you know what type of questions to expect. Plan your answers or take a moment to think about your response.
- Prepare yourself. Make sure you know everything you need to know. If they have asked you to do some research, then make sure you do it because questions could be asked. Also, use your initiative and research the company before the interview; this would impress the interviewer. Being prepared also includes organising how you are going to get to the interview. You will reduce stress if you have everything planned out.
DON’T
- Turn up late. The interviewer will not appreciate this. You will be remembered as the person who turned up late. Again, this is the first thing the interviewer will assess.
- Dress casually. This links to making a good first impression. If you are in a group interview and you are the only one who dresses smartly, then you will be remembered for that good point.
- Ask silly questions. Do not ask things like ‘how much will I get paid?’ This suggests that you are only there for the money.
- Answer questions with silly or thoughtless responses. If the interviewer asks you a question, then think about your reply before you answer with an ‘I don’t know.’ If they ask you a question like ‘Why do you want this job?’ then don’t answer with ‘I just want a job.’
- Be rude. Do not sit down without them telling you to and do not interrupt the interviewer. This will not leave a very good impression. Make sure you are polite because they will appreciate this.
Interviews can be difficult and stressful, but if you stay calm and follow these guidelines, then you cannot really do much wrong in your interview.
Megan is a writer who specialises in business. She can be found writing about a variety of business related topics on http://www.businesswinners.net