The Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing

Whether you are a recent graduate trying to break into the workforce, or have 20+ years experience, everyone can benefit from a little brushing up on your interviewing skills. Below are some of our top 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind for your interviewing process.

Do’s

1.) Do make sure you obtained and have thoroughly read the job description that you are interviewing for.
2.) Do make sure you complete extensive research on the company’s history, responsibilities and current events.
3.) Do bring questions to ask at your meeting. These questions should be directed to the team members you are interviewing with (i.e. Human Resources: company history, company culture. Hiring Managers: essence of the role, departmental structure)
4.) Do let the interviewer know throughout your discussions that you are interested in this role. Be cautious of your body language to make sure you don’t send a negative vibe and keep the discussion upbeat. You may not be completely thrilled with the details that one interviewer is saying, but realize in a later meeting that this is the perfect job for you. Once you leave and the interview team collaborate their thoughts, you don’t want your unintentional negative energy in the first meeting to sway their overall opinion on your candidacy.
5.) Do bring a few copies of your resume, list of references and work product samples.
6.) Do contact your references and let them know that they should anticipate a call from ABC Company. It’s nice to give them a heads up so they are not caught off guard by the call.
7.) Do make sure that your answers are clear, concise and to the point. Time is valuable so make sure that you do not ramble, but expand upon your “yes” and “no” answers. Give the answer and provide an example from your previous experience to explain briefly.
8.) Do make sure you are dressed appropriately. Just because it’s “dress down Friday” at ABC Company does not mean you get to wear jeans on your interview. First impressions are lasting and you want to make a good one. Even if a company’s dress is business casual it is appropriate for you to wear a suit and make a nice corporate appearance.
9.) Do make eye contact and have positive body language. Get yourself situated so that you are sitting up straight with your hands in plain sight. Look your interviewer in the eye when you answer. Any stray from the above can be construed as not being truthful.
10.) Do follow up within 24 hours with thank you notes. Today an email is sufficient, but a personalized, mailed letter goes the extra mile. Be sure to personalize your thank you notes for each person you meet with. This is a reflection of your work so make sure you proofread your note beyond relying on spell check.

Don’ts

1.) Don’t show up late for your meeting. Give yourself plenty of commuting time and if possible be there at least 15 minutes early. You may need to fill out an application or additional paperwork. Also, you don’t want to take away from any of your interview time. These meetings are crucial to you making a strong and lasting first impression.
2.) Don’t let your guard down. While it is essential for you to be yourself and give the interviewer a taste of your personality, this is still an interview. Running off topic or using slang language, regardless if your interviewer initiates this, should always be controlled.
3.) Don’t trash your previous employers. This sometimes happens without you realizing it because your emotions start talking. Make sure to always put a positive spin on what may be a negative situation.
4.) Don’t discuss or use proprietary information from your current or past employers. This is a big “no no” when it comes to confidentiality. Make sure any proprietary information is blacked out or changed in your work samples. You can show them or discuss your work product samples without bringing in your company’s financial statements.
5.) Don’t have a “know it all” attitude. Confidence in your subject matter is key, but there is a fine line between being confident and arrogant.
6.) Don’t chew gum, play with your hair, tap your pen or bite your nails. Be cognizant of your bad habits.
7.) Don’t lie! If you don’t have the experience, be honest. When you start a new role there is always going to be some type of learning curve. Turn your lack of experience there into a positive by letting the interviewer know you don’t have that experience, but was one of the skills you desire to learn.
8.) Don’t use industry related acronyms when speaking to interviewers that may not be familiar to your industry. Throwing out “ERM” or “ARM” to a Director of Risk is fine, but be sure to explain these to HR and other departments you may be interviewing with.
9.) Don’t cut off your interviewer. Be a good listener and absorb the information that is being provided. After your interviewer is finished, then you can gather your thoughts and respond accordingly.
10.) Don’t put the cart in front of the horse. Sometimes we can get a little over zealous and want to know every detail the first time around. In your initial meeting you want to focus on the opportunity and prove to ABC Company that you are the right choice. Discussing salary requirements, benefits, vacation time etc. is not appropriate for this meeting, unless the interviewer initiates this discussion. You want your interviewer to know that you are interested in building a partnership and not just what’s in it for you.

We know there are plenty more pointers that we can all benefit from. Feel free to comment with some of your own do’s and don’ts.