Doing well in an interview improves your chances of getting an offer. Knowing what to do and what to avoid during an interview can prove useful in securing that dream job. When you are well-prepared for an interview, it is reflected in your behaviour, and hiring committees notice it. The job interview tips in the form of do’s and don’ts in this article will help you prep for your interview and ensure you leave a good impression on your prospective employers. 

Do’s 

Provide Correct Details – When appearing for an interview, make sure that every bit of information on the resume/application is correct. It is highly recommended that you create a fresh resume for every position for which you apply. This way, you’ll be able to keep your resume precise and relevant for each employer. Interviewers often go through your resume during an interview, so make sure you go through the information stated in it before submitting your resume. 

 Research Thoroughly – While preparing for a job interview, do your homework before the interview. Make sure you go through the company’s website and know their products and services. This will help you understand their business and the questions they may ask depending upon your application. You may also research your interviewers, their achievements, and expertise. 

 Look Presentable – Wear a simple, tidy, and comfortable attire to the interview; if the interview demands dressing up in formals, do wear them. While giving an interview, make sure that your posture remains straight and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. The way you look is your first impression on the hiring committee, and therefore, it must be impressive. 

 Prepare Well – Practice your answers by answering typical interview questions such as, tell us something about yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, etc. Rehearsing answers before an interview will help you deal with the anxiety or nervousness you might feel later. Practising beforehand will make you more focused on giving direct answers, and that could impress hiring managers. You must also try practising in front of the mirror.

This exercise will allow you to be more mindful of your body language and facial expressions, all of which are necessary for a good interview. You can always ask a trusted colleague or a dear friend to act as your interviewer, if possible. They should be able to provide you with positive/negative feedback on your replies, depending on which you can refine your answers. 

 Ask Relevant Questions – Asking questions relevant to the business demonstrates that you have thoroughly researched the company and are interested in learning more about it. Right questions make the hiring committee believe that you are well-informed about the employer and are keen to understand better. 

 Refrain from Negative Answers – It is very important to offer constructive explanations if the interviewer questions your experience with the previous organization. When asked about previous jobs, be respectful of the staff as well as the organization. For instance, if you are switching your current position to seek a higher-paying job, you might say, “I enjoy working with my current business and colleagues, but I think I’ve developed a specialized skill set that can give me better compensation.”

 Listen Carefully – It is always a good practice to be a good listener. While you are in an interview and your interviewer is telling you something, be all ears. It is after listening carefully that you will be able to ask relevant questions. 

 Thank The Interviewer – Before leaving the office, thank your interviewer with a smile. No matter if it was a good or bad interview, you must look content and happy. Every interview is a learning process, and be a keen learner always. You may also consider sending a thankyou note via email; this will show that you are interested in the job and consider following up.

Relevant: How to ace a ‘Tell me something about yourself’ question

Don’ts

 Send Long Resume/Application – For each position, recruiters have to review hundreds of resumes; therefore, a summary would be good enough to get you an interview call. A resume longer than two pages is often not read and considered a bit mundane. A short, crisp, and nicely formatted resume is what it takes to stand out from the rest. 

 Be Late – Being on time is essential! If you are late for an interview, the first impression of not being punctual doesn’t do good to your reputation. Make sure that you are at least 30 minutes before time. This will give you time to relax a little and carry out other formalities.

 Wear Strong Perfumes – Bold perfumes can be very distracting for the recruiters. Make sure that you wear a mild and soothing fragrance. 

Forget Your Documents – It seldom happens that people forget their documents, and when asked by the interviewer, they cannot find what they are looking for. This not only leads to panic but also affects your confidence. So make sure that you have all your documents arranged in perfect order. 

 Offer Unnecessary Details – The interviewer wants to know you, but you cannot narrate long stories about yourself. You must share relevant details related to your career, and if asked otherwise, offer concise answers. 

 Ask Complicated Questions – While asking questions is a good sign, asking too many questions not relevant to your job role is responsible for a negative impression and may cost you a potential job. So it is advisable to ask questions related to your field of work and your position in the company. 

Lose Confidence – Confidence is key, do not let your past experiences affect your interview. Be hopeful and answer clearly. In case you need some time, ask the interviewer for time to answer the question but do not answer wrong. 

Conclusion

Following the do’s and don’ts mentioned above in your interviews should help you clear them. Know that potential employers perceive your acts as examples of your character and work. Show them what a fine employee you are by being the best version of yourself. 

Since the employer is looking at how well you fit the needs of the job, provide a brief story to support your claims. This is vital to tackle the varied nature of behavioural interview questions successfully.

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