- Do come prepared.
- Do arrive early.
- Do quiz yourself in advance with practice questions.
- Do dress stylishly and meticulously.
- Do sit up straight and speak with confidence.
- Do make eye contact. But don’t overdo it to the point where you make the interviewer uncomfortable.
- Do take some time to consider your answers and respond thoughtfully. You shouldn’t feel pressured to answer each question in rapid fire.
- Do take time for pleasantries and a bit of casual social banter.
- Do your research about the company and the employer beforehand.
- Do set up Google alerts to keep you abreast of the latest developments at the company.
- Do spend time researching the market and the forces that are influencing the industry.
- Do follow up with a thank-you email, letting the interviewer know it was nice to meet them and that you look forward to hearing back soon.
- Do subtly put your name on their radar the day after the interview by liking a post on their social media account.
- Do ensure that your most recent posts on your social media accounts show something positive and professional.
- Do strike a power pose before you head to the interview. It will boost your endorphins and improve your confidence.
- Do use language that is appropriate for the job environment and demonstrate your experience by using a bit of well-placed jargon.
- Do be yourself. You want to project an authentic and genuine demeanour.
- Do understand that interviews are as much an opportunity to show the employer that you would be a pleasant person to work with as they are to demonstrate skills and experience, this is a social opportunity.
- Do consider your career goals and clearly define your reasons for wanting the job.
- Do practice your interview skills with a friend or colleague.
- Do prepare answers to common interview questions.
- Do eat a healthy and energising breakfast before going in.
- Do breath deeply, relax the muscles of your face, and take the time to pause before the interview.
- Do exercise regularly in the week leading up to the interview.
- Do your homework about the industry and the company.
- Don’t fidget.
- Don’t stress yourself out by dwelling on negative possibilities.
- Don’t slip into the non-professional language.
- Don’t simply recap your resume. An interview is a chance to demonstrate all the qualities your resume cannot.
- Don’t be brusque with the administrative staff. You need to impress every person you encounter at the company.
- Don’t forget to smile and introduce some appropriate levity into the interview.
- Don’t fail to use the interview process as a networking opportunity.
- Don’t get flustered if you slip up on a question.
- Don’t be late because you get lost along the way or encounter some unexpected circumstance. Plan for delays.
- Don’t forget that this is a fundamentally social situation. Be amiable.
- Don’t allow your answers to go off on tangents. Keep the focus on your best qualities.
- Don’t schedule for late in the week, if you can avoid it. The ideal time for an interview is 10:30 on a Tuesday when employers are most likely to remember you.
- Don’t over-caffeinate.
- Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know the answer to a question. It’s better than faking it.
- Don’t speak ill of former coworkers, employers or colleagues.
- Don’t reveal unnecessary personal information or make unprofessional remarks.
- Don’t forget to give a firm handshake.
- Don’t let your tact lapse. You need to demonstrate the diplomatic behaviour.
- Don’t apologise unnecessarily.
- Don’t fail to follow up after the interview with all of your contacts at the company.
- Don’t brag or oversell yourself. Humility is a powerful, persuasive tool.
- Don’t mention your shortcomings or make excuses.
- Don’t let nerves paralyse you. Relax and act naturally.
- Don’t forget to highlight your biggest strengths.
- Don’t panic! You’ll do great.
