Dos and Don'ts of Interviewing

Impressions count! This always rings true at interview. The interview timeframe is the opportunity for you to impress your future employer and set yourself apart from the competition for the job.  Below are some dos and don'ts Resourcing4HR have pulled together to help you create that positive impression at interview.

Re-Confirmation of Interview:

• Date
• Time
• Location, address and parking
• Interviewers' names
• Contact details of the company

Present Yourself Well:

• Always aim to be at an interview half an hour before and allow for transport delays -  this will give you time to prepare and avoid a fluster.
• Try and do a practice run to the interview location a few days beforehand, preferably at the same time as your interview.
• Ensure your clothes are presentable, no overpowering aftershave or perfume.
• Turn off your phone!
• Have a firm handshake, a relaxed smile and maintain eye contact.

Research the Company:

• How many employees?
• When was it formed and who formed it?
• Company mission statement and unique selling proposition
• Which countries does it have offices in?
• Expansion rate of the company
• Annual turnover
• Current share price and progression of the company over time
• Recent press statements - check the news the day of the interview to be completely up to date with information
• LinkedIn profiles of interviewers – review their backgrounds and industries

Prepare for Questions:

• Know your CV, be able to talk in further depth about your achievements and offer examples that showcase your strengths.
• Try and be positive with all your answers, for example if asked ‘what do you think your greatest weakness is?’ reply with a positive comment, such as: ‘I like to make sure my work is perfect so I tend to spend too much time checking it, however, I have come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly first time’.
• Make sure you fully understand the specification of the role and have prepared to show your skills that fulfil these criteria.
• Prepare some questions that you would like to ask the interviewer.  Show an interest in the company and the role you are applying for.

Follow Up:

• At the end of the interview, ask about the next steps in the hiring process.  Know who you should stay in touch with and when they plan to be back in touch with you.
• After you have left, take down notes on any crucial job or compnay details that you want fresh in your head.
• Write a unique thank you letter or email within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you, and also to the person who set up the interviews (if that person didn't interview you)

What Not To Do at Interview:

• Don't assume that you can wing it and have a successful interview without advanced preparation.
• Don't assume that an invitation to a job interview means that the job is automatically yours.  
• Don't eat, drink or chew gum during the interview, and don't drink alcohol or smoke before the interview.
• Don't ask about salary, holidays, bonuses, or other benefits until you've received an offer.
• Don't act desperate, as though you would take a job with any employer.
• Don't act disinterested in the job or the employer.
• Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors or employers and don't offer any negative information about yourself.
• Don't answer questions with a simple yes or no.  Explain, describe and give examples where possible.
• Don't be soft spoken.  Speak clearly, and project confidence and preparation.
• Don't fidget or slouch.
• Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
• Don't lie.  Answer questions truthfully and succintly.
• Don't over-answer questions.  Sharing too much information can be more damaging than not sharing enough.
• Don't tell jokes.
• Don't ask the interviewers personal questions.

Finally....

• Relax, enjoy and be yourself! The best interviews are the ones where you truly show you as you and not pretend to be something you are not!  Good Luck!!