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- Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes
early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
- If presented with an application, do fill it
out neatly and completely. Don't rely on your application or
resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to
speak for yourself.
- Do greet the interviewer by last name if you
are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to
repeat it. Give the appearance of energy as you walk. Smile!
Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely glad to meet the interviewer.
- Do wait until you are offered a chair before
sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be
a good listener as well as a good communicator.
- Do look a prospective employer in the eye
while speaking.
- 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 apply your
background, skills and accomplishments to the position.
- Do make sure that your good points come
across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress
achievements. For example: sales records, processes developed,
savings achieved, systems installed, etc.
- Do always conduct yourself as if you are
determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the
door on opportunity.
- Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in
the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances
of being further considered. If you are not interested, your
responsiveness will still demonstrate your professionalism.
- Don't forget to bring a copy of your resume!
Keep several copies in your briefcase if you are afraid you will
forget.
- Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and
offers you a cigarette. Do not chew gum.
- Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no."
Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself
which relate to the situation.
- Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully,
frankly and succinctly.
- Don't make unnecessary derogatory remarks
about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were
issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be
looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining
your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary
to adequately communicate your rationale.
- Don't over-answer questions. And if the
interviewer steers the conversation into politics or
controversial issues, try to do more listening than speaking
since this could be a sensitive situation.
- Don't inquire about salary, vacations,
bonuses, retirement, etc., on the initial interview unless you
are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the
interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you've
earned but that you're more interested in opportunity than in a
specific salary.
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