What to Do — and not to do in an interview

Do

  • Be friendly to absolutely everybody (this applies to life in general too)
  • Make eye contact frequently
  • Be professional, act like somebody you would want to employ
  • Be enthusiastic. The best way is to learn about the company or industry and develop an appreciation for it. If you can’t, question why you are applying
  • Actively contribute to the interview. Forget the question, then response. Make the interview a lively conversation if possible
  • Stick to the point when answering questions
  • Remember, you’re interviewing the interviewer to see if you really want to work for the company
  • Finally, send a thank you card, especially if the interview went well. It will remind the interviewer of what a positive interview you were

Don’t

  • Be abrasive or demanding
  • Chew gum (there’s nothing less professional and polite)
  • Act inappropriately
  • Make sensitive comments (you don’t know who you’re talking to)
  • Digress endlessly. Stay to the point on every answer with minor elaborations
  • Wear overpowering perfumes or aftershave
  • Wear anything too gaudy. Be conservative
  • Swear or use expletives (obvious but I’ve had interviewees do it)