You have worked hard to get this interview. You have done your research well, wore a suit, and practiced your answers in front of a mirror. All that is left for you is to just go out there and be yourself, but here comes the scary part. You don’t know how to. You don’t know what is fair game and what is not. A strong interview can be a big determining factor in your getting a new position, so it is better to be prepared.
Here are a few interview essentials and errors to help you out.
Do:
Make sure that your clothes are clean, neat, and professional. It is okay if you do not have a suit, but still, there are other ways to dress formally. You can try that.
Never go to an interview unprepared. Always research the company and the position. If you know who your interviewers are, then it would not hurt to look at their career trajectories.
Offer a firm handshake when you walk in, make eye contact, and try to remember their names. Do not sit smugly. Smile and introduce yourself. Be confident but do not overdo it. A little awkwardness has its own charm. Bring your CV and make sure you know your dates. Also, remember to be on time.
Have a nice posture and maintain eye contact while listening or talking. Avoid fidgeting and slouching. Let the questions end before you answer. Listen and answer carefully. Do not beat around the bush.
This shows that you are really interested and involved in the interview. You can ask about what the job entails. Your previous research about job description and the company will help you with your questions.
Thank them for giving you this opportunity and for their time. Suggest that you would be available on the offered contact details if they need some further answers. The most you can do is write a simple email thanking them and saying that you are looking forward to hearing from them. That is it. Don’t follow up after this for quite some time.
Don’t:
This is not a therapy session. So do not criticize yourself, or your past jobs, employers, or colleagues.
Do not say that you led a company of twenty in that small internship you did. Everyone knows how things work in the industry, so just be honest. Do not say you are an expert in something if you are not. Let the interviewers know that you are willing to learn the skills you don’t.
Everything else can wait. It’s best to put your phone on Airplane mode, or Silent, or DND before you enter the interview room.
If you are the kind of person who is super friendly and bubbly, then go ahead. But try to be professional and formal with a touch of informality.
If they do not raise the question, do not ask about it. Right now you are there to learn more about the job and to understand if and why you are a right fit.
Do not be desperate for the job.
A good interview has a good chance of helping you get the job opportunity, so be careful when you go for one. Try to be on time and leave a positive and lasting impression on the interviewers. Be prepared with your answers. Research the company and the position before you go. When asked about weaknesses, answer honestly and then mention what you did to overcome them. Before you walk out, thank them and then mail them a thank you note. Just follow the basic dos and don’ts, and be yourself. All the best!