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  7. What to Do and Not Do in an Interview

Academics

What to Do and Not Do in an Interview

Sometimes all of us need a reminder of how to behave in what could be a stressful situation.

DO

  • Research the company and specific position ahead of time.
  • Get a good night's sleep before the interview so you will be mentally alert.
  • Leave plenty of time to get to the interview, you should arrive 10-15 minutes early.Never arrive late!
  • Dress properly and appear well groomed.
  • Express enthusiasm.
  • Remember and correctly pronounce the names of the people you meet.
  • Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and show sincere and polite interest in the position and interviewer.
  • Listen carefully to interview questions and answer completely.
  • Sell your qualifications rather than your need for a job.
  • Ask questions during the interview.
  • Bring additional copies of your resume and list of references.
  • Follow-up the interview with a thank you letter.

DON'T

  1. Bring others to the interview.
  2. Interrupt the interviewer.
  3. Ask questions about salary and benefits.
  4. Criticize former employers, co-workers, applicants, organizations.
  5. Chew gum.

The best way to be sure you are prepared for an interview is to do a mock interview in the Career and Internship Center or with faculty specific to the area you are interviewing for. Treat a mock interview as the real thing - dress and all!