Interview Tips

Interview Tips | Male Appearance | Female Appearance
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Download our 3-page candidate preparation document. This Word document includes three informative summary pages for your own use in preparing for the interview. Your account executive will discuss them in detail with you.

Interviewing Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Arrive 10 minutes early. Being late to an interview is never excusable.
  • DO fill out application forms neatly and completely.
  • DO greet the interviewer by surname if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you are not, ask for it to be repeated. Shake hands firmly
  • DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. SMILE.
  • DO maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.
  • DO be a good listener, remember the old rule of "2 ears and 1 mouth" and listen twice as much as you talk. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
  • DO follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the position.
  • DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer. Make the interviewer realize the need for you in the organization.
  • DO be prepared to answer typical questions truthfully, frankly, and "to the point".
  • DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to do the job you are discussing. Never close the door of opportunity.
  • Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
  • Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
  • Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
  • Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
  • Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.
  • Be professional. Smile, make eye contact and maintain good posture. These are simple but important things that are easy to forget to do during an interview.

Don'ts

  • DON'T answer broad questions. Ask the interviewer a question to clarify detail desired.
  • DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Tell those things about yourself that relate to the situation.
  • DON'T interrupt the interviewer. If you don't listen, the interviewer won't either.
  • DON'T be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is.
  • DON'T ramble. Overlong answers may make you sound apologetic or indecisive.
  • DON'T lie. Answer questions truthfully.
  • DON'T express resentment. Avoid derogatory remarks about present or former employers.
  • DON'T inquire about salary, vacation, bonuses, retirement, etc. This will be covered with you in detail by the recruiter prior to acceptance of any offer. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate that you are more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary.
  • DON'T chew gum or smoke even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette.