What should and shouldn't I do in interview?

Question

I my first interview and I would like some help so I don't mess-up.

Answer 1

Hope this helps.

1. You'll need to Prepare.
Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.

2. Don't Dress Inappropriately
Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position.

When interviewing for a summer job at your local theme park or as a lifeguard, for example, dress accordingly in neat and casual attire. If you aren't sure what to wear, visit the organization and watch employees coming in and out of the office to see what they are wearing.

3. Communicate Well
It's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question.

4. Switch Off Your Cell (mobile) Phone
Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't get the job, didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at an interview.

5. Don't Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question.

7. No Fuzzy Facts
Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information.

8. Giving the Wrong Answer...
Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Like the following candidate, you'll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer.

The interviewer had completely described a sales and marketing position to the candidate. She emphasized that cold calling and prospecting were the most important skills and experiences needed for the position. The candidate responded to the question about what she did or didn't like to do in sales, with these words: "I hate to do cold calling and prospecting, and I'm not good at it." That response ensured that she wouldn't get the job!

If didn't hear the question, then hey, ask them to repeat the question by, "Can you repeat the question please." It shows assertiveness and you want to answer properly.

9. Whatever You do..DON'T Bad mouth Past Employers
Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so. I cringed when I heard someone ranting and raving about the last company she worked for. That company happened to be our largest customer and, of course, I wasn't going to hire someone who felt that way about the company and everyone who worked there.

It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.

10. Don't Forget to Follow Up
Afraid you didn't make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.

Finally, even if you do flub the interview, don't take it to heart. I don't think there is anyone hasn't blown an interview or two. If it happens, look at it like it just wasn't meant to be, learn from your mistakes and move on to the next opportunity.

Also, stay relaxed, don't figit, don't cross your legs and arms because it shows your defensive. Just plave your hands either on your legs or on the table, palms down.

And like I said, if you don't get this job, hey, relax. You got more experience now to build on. Just get another interview and watch the difference. It is all meant to be if you put the work in.

Stare at them in the eyes. If you can't do that because you don't want to freak them out then remember, the third eye, in middle of their forehead, or between the two eyes. Stare at that, and they'll think you're staring at them, and your oozing with confidence.

Hope the above helped. Please folow links I provide to help you even more. And GO FOR IT! Job is yours!

Answer 2

My parents owned a preschool for over 10 years and they looked for outgoing individuals that dressed comfortably and weren't about highend fashion. Listen to "i hate dr. phil's" response. She's correct in stating to wear flats and no low cut tops. Dress in slacks, collared shirt and comfortable shoes. And definitely bring materials and ideas you have to teach these kids. As for questions, be prepared to answer questions like: 1. How long have you been teaching? 2. What do you enjoy about teaching? 3. Have you ever successfully potty-trained children? 4. How would you handle an angry parent? 5. How would you handle two kids fighting? 6. If someone other than the parent came to pick up a child what would you do? Those are just a few. I'll answer them for you. 1. This is your opinion. I'm sure you can answer that easily 2. Same with this one. 3. Again, same. 4. Handling an angry parent is difficult only if you've never done so. If the director is available, always tell the parent that they can speak with them. Never get involved, since it's not your place, and it's best handled by upper management. 5. Separate the two and speak to them individually. You probably know the answer to this as well. 6. If someone other than the parent comes, the school usually has a list of names the parents leave in case of an emergency. First contact the director. If they're not there, then call the parent to confirm pickup. I really hope this helped. :) And Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Here are the keys to successful job interviewing. Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important phase of job-hunting.

* Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.

* Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering. (See types of job interviews.) And do prepare and practice for the interview, but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers. (See our some of the best collections of interview questions.)

* Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism. If you're not sure, you should consider reading our article, When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success.

* Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you are running late, do phone the company.

* Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression.

* Don't chew gum during the interview.

* If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately.

* Do bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better, if you have a job skills portfolio, do bring that with you to the interview.)

* Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.

* Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview.

* Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!

* Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.

* Don't tell jokes during the interview.

* Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).

* Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.

* Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.

* Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").

* Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.

* Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.

* Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.

* Do avoid controversial topics.

* Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.

* Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.

* Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don't over-answer questions.

* Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself.

* Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.

* Do show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to questions. (See our Guide to Researching Companies.)

* Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.

* Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the interviewer and the company she represents.

* Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, "boy, that's a good question." And do repeat the question outloud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay.

* Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it.

* Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.

* Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you.

* Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you've received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay salary talk until you have an offer. (You might consider visiting our salary tutorial for more tips and strategies.)

* Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.

* Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.)

* Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Jon or John -- get the spelling.

* Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details.

* Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you. And do know all the rules of following up after the interview.

Answer 4

Dress appropriately, come early so you don't end up late, practice doing an interview with a friend, think up some tough questions and decide how to answer them (Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why should I hire you?), try to relax, and have some confidence. When you shake hands with the interviewer be sure you give a "firm" shake, don't be rough though. For some people, it leaves a bad impression if your handshake is too loose. Be courteous. Good luck.

Answer 5

It really would have helped to include some kind of information about what type of position this is for, but here are some tips:

1. Try not to be nervous. I know it will be hard for you, this being your first interview, but try to loosen up as much as possible.

2. Don't lie or try to give fake answers, and don't put on this "fake personality" for them. Just be yourself and relax, but be respectful at all times.

3. Be willing to do whatever they may ask if you're OK with. They have a specific type of worker they're looking for, and if you want the job, you want to fill that mold.

4. Be pleasant! Smile! If they shake your hand, make sure its firm, but don't make it hurt! Unless its a professional-type position (college degree), say, yes sir and yes maam.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Dress the way you would for work (no shorts, t-shirts, grunge).
Leave off the tongue ring and wear sleeves over your tatoo.
Don't slouch in the chair.
Show that you are eager to work at this place.
Remember they are more interested in what you can do for them than what they can do for you.
Get a book on interviews (look at the public library), read the sample questions ahead of time and practice what answers you would give. Be ready if they ask something tough like "what is your greatest strength and greatest weakness?"
Lots of luck to you!

Answer 7

Wow! Everyone has given so much advice. My main ideas are:

-Dress like they dress. If you're interviewing for a trade job, you don't want to walk in looking like an executive or vice versa.
-Give example of what you've done in school, sports, work to back up your answers and relate your experience directly to the job,
-Help the interviewers understand what you can do for them in that job.
-Show that you are open to learning and to doing the work.

Good luck!

Answer 8

On your responses to their questions let it be clear how you intend to help them. Change the tone of the interview towards how you will benefit them and their customers. Being intrinsically motivated and a team member with proper ettiquette skills, is an quality most companies look for. Key Point to KNOW,.. They disdain the punch in and out employee who can't wait to leave. Good Luck!~

Answer 9

Don't figet around.

Pay attention to the interviewer, rather than thinking about what you're going to say.

If you don't know how to answer a question, honestly say "no" and asks what the question means.

Be sincerely interested in getting the job, and show the assets you have to bring.

Answer 10

First of all, dress for success. How you appear at first glance is what they will remember. Stay away from slang language and by no means do the stupid valley girl talk. And remember names. If you want to be taken seriously and respected, then you must show them you mean business. Good Luck!! Oh, try to dress attractive, but be conservative. Don't try to look flashy and seductive. It's a big no-no.

Answer 11

Be confident, if you are at a table or desk sit forward and maintain a good posture.

Research the company you are interviewing with and Ask a lot of questions!!!