Five DOs and DON'Ts at A Job Interview

As part of the Enternships community, we are looking to help graduates with their job hunt. Here we will explore a few things that you should and shouldn’t do at a job interview to give you that boost of confidence when dealing with a potential employer.

Want to know how to nail that job interview? Read on:

DOs

1.      Be confident, positive, polite, and use a firm handshake.

2.      Rehearse before interview

Rehearse your responses and questions before you arrive at the interview. Questions you may be asked include: 'Where do you believe this position will take you as far as your career goals are concerned?' 'How do you believe your skills and experience will add value to this role and our organisation?' Be confident, and most importantly, honest in your answers.

Make sure you know your resume back to front and inside out.

 

3.      Research the company

When a candidate takes time to research a company thoroughly, it shows the interviewer that the candidate is proactive, takes initiative and has given considerable thought to the role. Hop on the net! This fabulous tool makes research quick, easy and comprehensive. Learn all you can about products, staff, financial details and any recent company news and events. In fashion and luxury goods, chances are you will be asked about the current collection and your opinion. This information is usually available online, and your response will give the interviewer an understanding of your inquisitive mind.

I had researched before every job interview I applied, the time put into preparation was worth it as it raised the bar with the employer and puts you right ahead of all candidates for the position.

4.      Answer questions as factually, completely and to the point as possible.  Keep in mind that you alone can ‘sell’ yourself, so try not to answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. 

Expand wherever possible and tell them those things about yourself, which relate to the position.

 

5.      Write up a follow up thank you letter after interview, even if you haven’t got the job because it shows you had taken interest in the company and valued the employers’ time to consider you for position. 

Who knows if future vacancies arise, they might reconsider employing you as you had taken initiative to write an acknowledgement letter.

From my past experiences for a part time job I applied, I didn’t get through the interview due to older more experienced candidates however I emailed my interviewer back with a thank you letter within the day and a few months time I got a offered a similar job as she kept my details on file and considered me for future vacancies because I had taken a few minutes of your time to write back, so it is definitely worth doing so.

 

DON’Ts

1.      Do not turn up late unless you have a genuine reason

Employers get frustrated if the candidate does not show up on time without a genuine reason as it wasting their time and makes their life in a way easier in choosing the other candidates who turned up early and keen.

Always double-check your travel journey, see if all travel is working, and the location of your interview.

Try to get there at least 10 or 15 minutes before interview so you have time to prepare.

It is best to reschedule other personal activities after interview not before, to avoid being rushed and so you don’t forget anything to bring along with you in interview.

If you are going to be late than inform employer or receptionist at the company/firm that you are going to be running late before hand so that at least the employer knows you are on your way, do not leave them hanging.

But always try to be on time for every interview because it shows your interest, determination and enthusiasm for the role.

2.      Do not interrupt or talk across the interviewer, or jump in whilst they are asking you a question, even if you are confident that you know what it is that they are going to say.

It is just polite to take in what they are asking without interjecting. Have a think about the question in a few moments in silence, then give a full response. It shows maturity and able to fully grasp and understand what they are asking.

Have a think about the question in a few moments in silence, then give a full response.

Sometimes out of nervousness or over confidence you can start rambling on. Don't panic - it has happened to me once or twice in my first job interview and nearly everyone does it, mostly unintentionally.

What I learned from my first interview was try to pace yourself without waffling or rambling on, keep answers detailed but short and brief as well there is a time limit for every interview.

3.      Do not show disappointment if you get the impression that the interview is not going well.

This could be a sign your nerves are taking the better of you, remain calm and optimistic at all times, try to think of the unexpected answers that spring to mind, anything to turn the interview into a smoother process. ask the employer questions about the job role because it shows you have taken initiative and interest in the role as well turning the interview around.

Remain calm and optimistic at all times, try to think of the unexpected answers that spring to mind.

4.      Do not allow yourself to get rattled or defensive as sometimes an interviewer may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.

The employer wants to see in this case how well you react to different scenarios or situations, just to see if you can handle criticism or take on board harsh advice.

Try to keep an open mind and remember that the employer was once in your shoes, undertaking an interview as a candidate, so they know how it is.

5.      Do not be disheartened if you don’t get through the first time or tried and failed a few times in an interview.

The point is you learn from your mistakes and you take it for a good reason, maybe this job wasn’t meant for you or right for you and some other opportunity will come into the future. Someone out there is always looking to hire and recruit.

Employers’ aims and objectives of any interview are simple, they are looking for the right ideal candidate for the job, be that candidate!

If you have a genuine interest in the job role for the company/industry and you have done your homework before coming to interview then there is a high chance of you getting the job than the rest of your competitors.

 

Written by Neelam Shah. Neelam is currently pursuing a BA honors joint degree in Journalism with media and cultural studies at Kingston University. She has a strong passion for journalism, blogging, writing, media communications & research and would like to pursue a career in Science Journalism in the future.

Photo from http://bit.ly/tHAdVX

Posted on Friday 20 January 2012 at 16:29PM by Enternships

Tags: Advice for Interns, Job Interview