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Here are a few Dos & Don'ts to a successful job interview. Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important phase of searching for that perfect job.
- Do check the location of your job interview before hand to ensure that you know exactly where to go and how long it takes to get there.
- Do your research and know the type of job you are interviewing for. Do prepare and practice for the interview, but Don't memorise or over-rehearse your answers.
- Do dress the part for the job, the company and the industry. and Do err on the side of conservatism. If you're not sure, you should ask the person in charge of the position.
- 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 and let the person in charge know.
- Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression.
- If you are requested to fill in a job application, Do fill it out neatly, completely and accurately.
- Do bring extra resumes to the interview. If you have a job skills portfolio, Do bring that with you to the interview.
- Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.
- Do greet the interviewer(s) by their title (Mr., Ms., Dr. etc) and last name. If you are not sure of the pronunciation of their last name, Do ask the receptionist about it before going into the interview.
- Do shake the hands of the interviewer firmly. Don't offer a limp hand or a clammy handshake.
- Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And Do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
- Don't tell jokes during the interview.
- Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).
- Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
- Don't smoke beforehand so that you don't smell like smoke. and Do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.
- Do avoid using poor language, slang and pause words (such as "like", "uh" and "um")
- Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
- Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
- Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
- Do avoid controversial topics.
- Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
- Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.
- Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully and frankly. and Don't over answer questions.
- Don't answer questions with a simple "Yes" or "No". Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills and determination. Give examples.
- Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
- Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you.
- Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions, as it shows a lack of interest.
- Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process.
- Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with, or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names.
- Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you.
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