You are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to hire people--not because he or she wants to trip you up or embarrass you. Through the interaction which will take place during the interview, he or she will be searching out your strong and weak points, evaluating you on your qualifications, skills, and intellectual qualities. He or she will probe deeply to determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.
Some do's and don't's concerning the interview:
DO plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview in never excusable.
If presented with an application, DO fill it out neatly and completely. If you have a personal resume, be sure the person you release it to is the person who will do the actual hiring.
DO greet the interviewer by his or her surname if you are sure of the pronunciation.
DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting down. Sit upright in your chair, don't slouch, stay interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. SMILE.
DO shake hands firmly.
Don't smoke even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette. Do not chew gum.
DO look a prospective employer in the eye while you talk to him or her.
DO follow the interviewers leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you early in the interview so that you relate your background and skills to the specific position.
DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Tell those about yourself that relate to this situation.
Do make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Make him or her realize the need for you in their corporation.
DO be prepared to answer typical questions like: What are your strengths? Your weaknessess? What kind of job are you looking for? What do you know about our company? Why did you choose your particular vocation?
DON'T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly, and as to the point as possible.
DON'T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
DON'T "OVER ANSWER" questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this can be a ticklish area, it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say any more than necessary.
DON'T inquire about SALARY, VACATION, BONUSES, RETIREMENT, etc., on the initial interview unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate that you're more interested in opportunity than a specific salary.
DO always conduct yourself as if you are determinded to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of jobs--rather than only one.
