Do's and Don'ts on Job Interview for Jobseekers

A job interview is most likely a crucial part to get you employed. No matter how many interview sessions you have attended during a job search, there is always a sense of anticipation in each one. Some of you might be pretty confident about conveying your true self in front of interviewers, while some others are always nervous when the day comes.

Now, what if this is the most important job interview of your life? It’s your dream job at the best company for the industry you have always been interested in. You have no other choice but to ace your job interview and stand out from the crowd! If you're unsure of how to do it right, don't worry. Here are what to-do and what to-not do to nail the next job interview:

Do’s:

1. Research the company you are interviewing for 

Show the interviewers that you have done your ‘homework’. Make sure you come to the venue prepared by studying about the current events of the company. It might be the key to being able to ask pertinent questions to understand more about them. Plus, it also shows a genuine interest in the company.  

2. Study your resume, and know it well 

Know your resume like the back of your hand. You might have written the resume yourself, but sometimes you might not know what you write. To avoid any mismatch between what you say and what you write, ensure that everything that is written down is updated and true.

3. Display your skills with concrete examples 

Stick to this principle: show, don't tell. You are probably a hard worker, but the interviewer will find it hard to believe unless you prove it. No need to make a self-statement on how great or capable you are. Instead, you have to explain in detail about your skill. You can do this by giving an example to illustrate it.  

4. Prepare an interview tool kit 

A well-prepared interviewee is always better than the one who don’t. Putting together a “job interview kit” is one way to make you a brighter candidate. The “job interview kit” is not only filled with ample copies of your resume, but also include other items such as pens, notepad, a bottle of water, eye drops, and clear directions to the office you’re visiting.  

5. Dress to impress 

First impression matters. You’re probably the more casual guy everyday, but this moment is different. For men, be as neat as possible. For women, your appearance should bring out your confidence and of course, look professional!  

6. Mind the body language 

Your body language will tell the interviewer a lot about you, since body language is a huge form of nonverbal communication. In order to nail the job interview, you must give off positive energy with your body language. Show that you are alert, and listen carefully to everything your interviewer in saying.

7. Ask forward-thinking questions 

Some growing companies doesn’t even have a futuristic game plan. A candidate should recognise this, and base some of the questions around “current change” and “possible/upcoming change”.  

8. Remember the small things 

You could have all the proper qualifications of the job description, but someone else may as well. The difference will come down to the details. Thus, be on time, turn off your cell phone, and be polite. Anyone’s appearance, demeanor, and timeliness are check-marks.  

9. Conduct your own interview 

Yes, of course you’re the one who are being evaluated. However, don’t forget to take note of his/her responses to your (presumably good) questions. It will help you to determine whether you even want the job.  

10. Follow up quickly 

Even after the interview, there’s still one last thing to do. Take time to thank the interviewer for their time to meet with you. What’s most important is that you send a follow-up email to them. Interviewers appreciates people who take the initiative to send a follow-up email. This shows that the candidate is serious about the job.  

Don’ts:

1. Don’t show arrogance 

There is a huge difference between being confident and being arrogant. In this case, make sure you don't cross the line and show only your confidence, not arrogance.  

2. Don’t swear 

Keep the potty mouth at home. If not, then there’s a chance you might offend the interviewer.  

3. Don’t talk stock options 

Anything related to money should be left off the table. Be patient, there will be time to talk about it in the next stage of recruitment.

4. Don’t bash your current/ex-employer 

It doesn’t matter how awful an experience you had from your last boss, just never mention it to your (possibly) next employer. They will wonder if you’ll be saying the same horrible things about their company in the future.  

5. Don’t ask about specific company perks 

Try to keep your conversation focused on your achievement and what you can bring to the company. Other questions can come at a later part of the interview or at the 2nd interview if you ace the 1st one!  

6. Don’t slouch in your chair 

Bad posture is a poor form to portray when you’re meeting someone for the first time, especially if you’re trying to impress them.  

7. Don’t say you weren’t looking for a job 

Some people are often approached by recruiters with new opportunities, even if they weren’t specifically looking. If you are not interested in the job offer, then just reject the offer with courtesy.  

8. Don’t stuff food in your face before you answer a question 

This might be obvious, but some people could easily ignore this attitude. Eat before the interview, not at the interview. It might even help calm some nerves.  

9. Don’t say you might have to take a call during the meeting 

Assume each meeting will take about 30 minutes to an hour and a half tops. Plan your day/calls accordingly, especially if you're in a job interview marathon. Don’t let the interviewer wait, you never know if they are most likely busier than you.  

10. Don’t ask about salary or benefit issues before you’re being allowed 

If the subject isn’t brought up by the interviewer first, then it’s better that you not ask. Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in the monetary benefits.  

After reading all the do’s and don’ts, do you feel more ready for the next job interview?  

Read also: What is Interview Nerves & How to Calm It?