Interview Dos and Don'ts

At an interview, you need to present your best professional self to an employer. Here are a few tips to ensure that your first impression is a good and lasting one. 

Interview Dos

• Do destress yourself before interview using relaxation techniques.
• Do focus on your skills and achievements that can be related to the particular job.
  
  
• Do research the employer before hand.
  
  
• Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview, so you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.
  
  
• Do greet interviewers by title (i.e. Ms., Dr., Mr.).
  
  
• Do shake hands firmly.
  
  
• Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.
  
  
• Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.
  
  
• Do make eye contact with your interviewer(s).

Interview Don'ts

• Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
  
  
• Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager
  
  
• Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe  those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills and determination. Give examples.
  
  
• Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you've received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay salary talk until you have an offer.
  
  
• Don't ever not ask any questions - it shows a lack of interest.
  
  
• Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, "boy, that's a good question". Do not  repeat the question out loud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer.  Also, a short pause before responding is okay.