Interview dos and don'ts
With the requirements of the position in mind, the interviewer will search for your strong and weak points and evaluate your intellect and the abilities that you have developed as a result of your education and past experience. They will also be interested in personal characteristics such as your motivation and the way you present yourself.
The “DOs”
- DO follow the interviewer’s leads and prompts, reading whether your answer is going on too long or if further information is required to expand on a point made.
- DO make sure that you highlight your strengths to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Provide specific examples of your abilities that demonstrate positive outcomes or achievements.
- DO realise that the interviewer will ask you questions about your skills that relate to the selection criteria or the requirements of the position. If the position requires technical or special knowledge, you can expect to be asked a question that involves applying theory to solve a problem.
- DO make sure you leave the impression that you are more interested in the activities involved in the job than the promotional opportunities or benefits that the organisation may offer.
- DO always indicate your interest in the job for which you’re being interviewed. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be offered the position so you can consider it in relation to other jobs for which you are applying than to not have a choice.
- DO ask questions when given the opportunity.
- DO take advantage of the opportunity to add anything else in your favour if asked.
top of pageThe "DON’Ts"
- DON’T answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no”. Give good responses and explain yourself whenever possible by referring to relevant examples from your experiences.
- DON’T respond in a general, vague, or hesitant manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Project a sense of purpose and direction.
- DON’T ‘over answer’ questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. It is best to answer the questions honestly, and say more than is necessary.
- DON’T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.
- DON’T enquire about salary, holidays, bonuses or retirement at the initial interview. However, you should know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary range if asked. Information on graduate starting salaries is available in the Careers Resource Centre as a guide.
- DON’T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as close ‘to the point’ as possible.
- DON’T focus on negatives: emphasise positive outcomes and learning experiences.
Negative factors frequently assessed during an interview that most often lead to rejection include:
- lack of interest and enthusiasm
- lack of preparation, failure to obtain information about the job and organisation
- lack of career planning, purpose or goals
- lack of tact, maturity, courtesy or professionalism
- lack of responsibility taken for actions
- evasive – making excuses for poor academic record or other unfavourable factors
- overbearing, aggressive, arrogant or conceited
- inability to express thoughts clearly, poor diction or grammar, and lack of poise
- over-emphasis on money – interested only in remuneration
- persistent attitude of “What can you do for me?”
- failure to ask pertinent questions about the job or the organisation
Make sure these negative factors do not apply to you!