The Dos and Don’ts for Your Next Job Interview

The interview is usually the turning point of any job application. Impressing at any interview is all about what questions to expect, how to answer them and looking at your overall enthusiasm and behaviour during the interview. In order to make the best impression follow these simple tips in your next interview.

Interview Dos

• Dress smartly. It is always better to overdress for an interview than to underdress. Dressing well makes a good impression and helps you to feel more confident. Even on your first day of work overdress until you learn the appropriate attire of the workplace.
• Stay confident. If you do not know an answer, stay confident and personable. If you are unsure of what to say, state that outright. A selection panel will usually view your honesty favourably. Confidence in yourself and your answers will make the process more comfortable.
• Bring your resume. It is always good to have a spare copy of your resume. It shows you are prepared. Likewise, bring all other documentation you supplied in your application. This can work as a tool to reference during the interview.
• Come with questions in mind. A panel will often ask you if you have any questions. Ask them! Asking questions shows that you are insightful and have properly thought about the position itself and the workplace.
• Research the position, research the workplace, and research the individuals on the panel. Also research yourself. It is likely that you submitted an application several weeks prior to the interview. Review your materials so you know exactly what they know about you. Come in with as much knowledge about the job as possible.

Interview don’ts

• Too much filler. An interview should be conversational, but also professional. Try to refrain from using any and all colloquialisms and “filler” speech (like, um, yeah, I mean, etc.). Keep your responses concise and to the point.
• Fidget. Moving around too much during an interview is distracting to both yourself and the panel members. Similar to colloquialisms it shows the panel that you are uncomfortable and unsure. Fidgeting can also make you more nervous.
• Exude a stench. Body odour can be distracting, as can too much cologne. Take a shower before the interview and refrain from using more than one spray of perfume. If you are a smoker, wait till after the meeting to light up, as cigarette smoke can linger on your person for a long while.
• Avoid eye contact. Eye contact is a form of confidence. If the interview includes several people, be sure to engage with each one during the meeting. Avoiding eye contact will be noticeable to a panel and will show that you are uncomfortable in such a setting.

Interviews are all about being adequately prepared. Practice speaking out loud to yourself and saying answers with confidence and ease. Stay calm and you’ll perform well. If you want any more tips, consider speaking to a career expert, like the ones at Smart Worker to help you prepare.