Congratulations! You landed the interview. Next step, nailing the interview. We’ve come up with a few dos and don’ts to a successful interview. Remember, you are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to hire somebody – not because they want to see how nervous they can make you or embarrass you. During your interview, the interviewer will be searching out your strong and weak points, evaluating your qualifications, skills and intellectual qualities, and they will deeply explore your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation, and maturity.

The Dos of an Interview: 

• Plan to arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for an interview is never excusable.
• If you’re given an application, fill it out neatly and completely.
  • If there is a space for desired salary, always write open. 
• Greet the interviewer by his/her surname only if you are sure of the pronunciation.
  • If you are unsure, ask them to repeat their name.
• Shake the interviewers hand firmly.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.
  • Sit upright in your chair; look alert and interested at all times. 
• Listen to what your interviewer is saying/asking. Respond appropriately, and Smile.
  • Look your interviewer in the eye while you talk to them or they are speaking to you.
• Follow the interviewer’s leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you early-on in the interview
  • Relate your skills and background to the position.
• Sell yourself in your interview.
  • Ensure that your ‘good points’ get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.
• Make the interviewer realize they need you.
• Be prepared to answer questions like:
  • What kind of job are you looking for?
  • What are your strengths/weaknesses?
    • What have you done to address them?
  • What are you really good at?
  • What do you know about our company?
  • Why did you choose your particular career?
  • What are your qualifications?
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • Why should we/I hire you?
• Show enthusiasm.
  • If you’re interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances of receiving an offer. 
  • If you’re not interested, your enthusiasm will leave a good impression and leave the door open for future opportunities. 
• Emphasize what you can do for the company.

The Don’ts of an Interview:

• Never lie.
  • Answer all questions truthfully, frankly, and as to-the-point as possible.
• Never make derogatory remarks about your current or past employers or companies
• Do not over-answer questions.
  • Answer questions by speaking in terms of the position you are being interviewed for. 
• When you are asked broad questions like, “tell me about yourself” refrain from talking about your childhood, family, or personal ambitions.
  • Instead, mention specific accomplishments that show your abilities and determination to succeed in this job.
•  Do not emphasize why you need this job.
  • Your answers should tell the interviewer why you would be an asset to the company. 
• Do not bring up salary, benefits, bonuses, etc at the initial interview.
  • If you are asked what salary you want, indicate what you’ve earned but also that you are interested in the opportunity not the salary. 
• Refrain from Yes and No answers.
  • Do not answer questions with a simple yes or no. Your answers should tell the interviewer about yourself. 
• Never smoke. Even if you are offered.