Passport to your first Job - Interview DOs and Dont's
Toughest part of life isn’t getting a graduate degree or accomplishing a great deed in the academics, indeed it is the time when you go for your first interview and you don’t what to do and what not!
What to Do....[/i][/b]
Express yourself clearly with a strong voice and good diction
Pay close attention to your personal appearance & dress to your advantage.
Posses concrete goals in planning for your career.
Have a firm handshake.
Look the interviewer in the eye (but don't stare him or her down).
Fill out applications neatly and completely.
Do have as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible.
Take criticism gracefully.
Possess strong knowledge of the company.
You must have prepared questions about the employer and position.
Display a sense of humor.
Display self-confidence.
Do take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions.
Do take an extra copy of your resume and a list of references with you to the interview.
Do follow-up with a thank-you note restating your interest in the position.
Do contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one week after the time from which he or she indicated you would be notified.
Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism.
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.
Do bring extra resumes to the interview.
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 show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").
Do prepare and practice the different types of job interviews that you might have. (See types of job interviews.)
Do prepare yourself for behavioral questions concerning situations you have encountered in the past, and how you would handle them in the future.
Do visualize the interview in your head the night before. Picture interviewer asking you all of the questions that you already have answers for. See the interview as a complete success before it ever happens. Talk yourself into being confident and prepared.
Do Dress for Success: Always dress professionally. A conservative suit is still the rule unless you are told differently by the recruiter. First impressions leave strong images.
Do know the Job Location: It is important to know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewers full name, the correct pronunciation, and his/her title. Always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are running late, call the recruiter and the interviewer and let them know as soon as possible.
Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. Remember first impressions are important. If presented with job applications makes sure and fill it out completely and accurately.
Do make sure you have extra resumes for the interview.
Do greet the interviewer(s) by name and shake hands firmly.
Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times.
Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry.
Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.
Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself.
Do show off the research you have done on the company/industry and especially that you visited their website.
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.
Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you are very interested in working for the company and ask what the next step would be. If it feels right ask for the job!
Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with.
Do immediately take down notes after the interview finishes so you will remember important information about the job.
Do follow up with writing thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who you interviewed with. (You may refer to the sample Thank You Letter.)
Do make sure you call the recruiter after your interview to tell them about what your interest level is in pursuing the opportunity.
What Not To Do....[/i][/b]
Don't be overbearing, overaggressive or conceited.
Don't show a lack of interest or enthusiasm.
Don't emphasize money as your main interest in the job.
Don't expect too much too soon - be open to the idea of starting at the bottom and working your way up.
Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record.
Don't condemn past employers or institutions of education; keep comments positive.
Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork.
Don't be indecisive.
Don't display intolerance or prejudice.
Don't interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop around."
Don't be late to the interview.
Don't state specific geographic restrictions.
Don't contradict yourself in responses.
Don't take notes during the interview - jot down your notes immediately after the interview.
Don't forget: YOU control the content of the interview.
Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are under qualified is not recommended.
Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.
Don't smoke, chew gum, etc. even if offered or if the interviewer does so.
Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
Don't ask about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you've received an offer.
Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
Don't smoke or chew gum on an interview.
Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly.
Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Always explain your skills, accomplishments and success stories. Give examples.
Don't be soft-spoken. Project confidence in your voice.
Don't let anxiety or nervousness take control stay cool and confident.
Don't go into too much detail about your personal issues or family problems. Keep the discussion on a professional/business level.
Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.
Toughest part of life isn’t getting a graduate degree or accomplishing a great deed in the academics, indeed it is the time when you go for your first interview and you don’t what to do and what not!
What to Do....[/i][/b]
Express yourself clearly with a strong voice and good diction
Pay close attention to your personal appearance & dress to your advantage.
Posses concrete goals in planning for your career.
Have a firm handshake.
Look the interviewer in the eye (but don't stare him or her down).
Fill out applications neatly and completely.
Do have as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible.
Take criticism gracefully.
Possess strong knowledge of the company.
You must have prepared questions about the employer and position.
Display a sense of humor.
Display self-confidence.
Do take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions.
Do take an extra copy of your resume and a list of references with you to the interview.
Do follow-up with a thank-you note restating your interest in the position.
Do contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one week after the time from which he or she indicated you would be notified.
Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism.
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.
Do bring extra resumes to the interview.
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 show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").
Do prepare and practice the different types of job interviews that you might have. (See types of job interviews.)
Do prepare yourself for behavioral questions concerning situations you have encountered in the past, and how you would handle them in the future.
Do visualize the interview in your head the night before. Picture interviewer asking you all of the questions that you already have answers for. See the interview as a complete success before it ever happens. Talk yourself into being confident and prepared.
Do Dress for Success: Always dress professionally. A conservative suit is still the rule unless you are told differently by the recruiter. First impressions leave strong images.
Do know the Job Location: It is important to know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewers full name, the correct pronunciation, and his/her title. Always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are running late, call the recruiter and the interviewer and let them know as soon as possible.
Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. Remember first impressions are important. If presented with job applications makes sure and fill it out completely and accurately.
Do make sure you have extra resumes for the interview.
Do greet the interviewer(s) by name and shake hands firmly.
Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times.
Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry.
Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.
Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself.
Do show off the research you have done on the company/industry and especially that you visited their website.
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.
Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you are very interested in working for the company and ask what the next step would be. If it feels right ask for the job!
Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with.
Do immediately take down notes after the interview finishes so you will remember important information about the job.
Do follow up with writing thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who you interviewed with. (You may refer to the sample Thank You Letter.)
Do make sure you call the recruiter after your interview to tell them about what your interest level is in pursuing the opportunity.
What Not To Do....[/i][/b]
Don't be overbearing, overaggressive or conceited.
Don't show a lack of interest or enthusiasm.
Don't emphasize money as your main interest in the job.
Don't expect too much too soon - be open to the idea of starting at the bottom and working your way up.
Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record.
Don't condemn past employers or institutions of education; keep comments positive.
Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork.
Don't be indecisive.
Don't display intolerance or prejudice.
Don't interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop around."
Don't be late to the interview.
Don't state specific geographic restrictions.
Don't contradict yourself in responses.
Don't take notes during the interview - jot down your notes immediately after the interview.
Don't forget: YOU control the content of the interview.
Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are under qualified is not recommended.
Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.
Don't smoke, chew gum, etc. even if offered or if the interviewer does so.
Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.
Don't ask about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you've received an offer.
Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
Don't smoke or chew gum on an interview.
Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly.
Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Always explain your skills, accomplishments and success stories. Give examples.
Don't be soft-spoken. Project confidence in your voice.
Don't let anxiety or nervousness take control stay cool and confident.
Don't go into too much detail about your personal issues or family problems. Keep the discussion on a professional/business level.
Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.