Interview Tips

Interview Do's

• Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
• If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Do not attach your resume unless your are told to do so.
• Great the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.
• Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times.
• Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eyes while speaking.
• Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills, and accomplishments that relate to the position.
• Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the position.

Interview Don'ts

• Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
• If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.
• Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing.
• Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rational professionally.
• Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial or even illegal topics, try to do more listening then speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.
• Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses, or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.

Company Research

Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do you know about our company?" and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview, review the company's website.

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