Improper interviewing etiquette can easily overshadow a strong resume.
Keep these tips in mind during your interview:
Common mistakes of interviewees
- Unprepared for interview – lack of knowledge of the organ. and/or available positions. Did not research the organization!
- Overbearing – over aggressive – conceited – superiority complex – know-it-all
- Inability to express self clearly and explain strengths – poor communication skills
- Lack of career planning – no purpose, goals or direction, not focused on what he/she wants to do
- Asks no questions about the job/company
- Lacks involvement in campus activities
- Does not belong to professional association associated with his/her major
- Poor communication skills – uses slang – improper grammar
- Lack of enthusiasm, doesn’t smile, appears uninterested
- Poor appearance – inappropriately dressed for interview
- Lack of confidence – nervousness (to a fault) – ill at ease
- Overemphasis on money
- Poor academic record
- Expect too much too soon; unwilling to start at the bottom
- Makes excuses – evasiveness
- Lack of tact, courtesy & maturity
- Condemnation of past employers
- Poor eye contact
- Limp handshake
- Candidates who are merely “shopping around”
- Candidates who want job only for short time
- Lack of or little sense of humor
- No interest in organization or in industry
- Too much emphasis on whom one knows – trying to impress
- Unwillingness to relocate
- Strong prejudices
- Narrow scope of interests
- Little or no interest in community activities
- Inability to take criticism
- Late for interview without good reason
- Indecisive
Do try to:
- Know yourself (skills, abilities, goals, interests, values, strengths/weaknesses, etc.)
- Know your potential employer (position you’re interviewing for, primary products, services, etc.)
- Read employer literature.
- Look professional.
- Be on time (arrive at the site 15 minutes early to check your appearance, compose yourself, etc.)
- Be clear, concise, and to the point.
- Send a thank-you follow-up. Get correct names and titles.
- Bring appropriate materials (resume, transcript, etc.) in a portfolio.
- Share your success stories.
- Find out when a decision is expected to be made.
- Give a firm handshake.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Prepare several insightful questions.
- Be positive and enthusiastic.
- Listen carefully.
- Market yourself.
- Think before you answer.
- Give concrete examples to support your points.
- Be assertive, not aggressive.
Don’t do these things:
- Don’t be late.
- Don’t ask about other applicants.
- Don’t request salary information.
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t chew gum/eat life savers, etc.
- Don’t slouch
- Don’t criticize previous employers, professors, etc.
- Don’t dress inappropriately. (You must dress to fit in.)
- Don’t dominate the conversation.
- Don’t invade the interviewer’s physical space.
- Don’t make excuses. (Give reasons instead.)
- Don’t tell the interviewer what he/she doesn’t need to know such as personal information.
- Don’t patronize the interviewer.
- Don’t ramble (make your point and stop talking.)
- Don’t try to be what you’re not.
- Don’t interrupt.
- Don’t make assumptions.
- Don’t apologize.
- Don’t ask obvious or inappropriate questions (about vacation, sick leave, etc.)
- Don’t be aggressive. (Be assertive.)
- Don’t rely on other people’s words or thoughts. (Use your own.)