Interview Guide - Part 4

This will be the last of the series of interview guide, some general guide of Do and Don't

Do:

• Plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
• Greet the interviewer by his/her first name.
• 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.
• Maintain eye contact.
• 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.
• Make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer.
• Make him/her realize the need for you in his/her organisation.
• Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be in the position where you can choose from a number of jobs rather than only one.


Don’t:

• Answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Explain whenever possible. Tell those things about yourself which relate to the position.
• Lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as much to the point as possible.
• Ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.
• Over-answer’ questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this can be ticklish, it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say more than is necessary.
• Let your discouragement show. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don’t show discouragement or alarm. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
• Enquire about salary, bonuses or holidays at the first interview unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you and raises the issue first. However, you should know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.


and on closing make sure you make your point:


• If you are interested in the position, make sure you tell the interviewer that.
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration of you. You have done all you can if you have answered the two questions uppermost in his/her mind:
• Why are you interested in the job and the company?
• What can you offer and can you do the job?