Interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process. It is one of the first opportunities when professionals get to know their candidates and can determine if you are right for the position. Interviewing can be one of the most frightening yet rewarding activities that professionals do. While it can be nerve-wracking to meet with potential employers, with the right preparation and research, you can ensure confidence. In this blog, we will discuss the do's and don'ts of interviews to help you prepare and succeed in your next interview.
Do
Be overly prepared
Researching the company and or person you are interviewing beforehand is crucial. Having background knowledge can help you best understand what the position entails and allow you to practice possible questions they might ask you.
Dress to impress
The way you dress and how you present yourself is the first thing that potential employers will notice about you in your interview. Even if the interview is on Zoom, dressing for the occasion is important. Blurring out your background and using a clean, non-distracting background will show that you care about how you present yourself.
Stand out from the crowd
An interview is a chance for you to stand out and show your personality. Most likely, the only thing your interviewer knows about you is what is on your resume. Therefore, in the interview, whether that be over the phone or in person, showcasing your personality will help you stand out and be memorable.
Ask questions
An interview is not just an opportunity for the interviewer to ask questions; it is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the job and its expectations. For example, “what is your professional journey? Can you give me an example of what you do on a daily basis?” People love to talk about themselves. Therefore, asking questions takes some pressure off you while the interviewer takes the time to answer.
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Don’t
Go in blind
Arriving unprepared can show the interviewer that you are potentially not interested or committed to the job in question. Additionally, if you don’t prepare questions beforehand, you can be caught off guard, increasing your nervousness.
Be too self-absorbed
Talking about yourself in an interview is an important part. However, when you are talking about yourself, focus on the experiences that make you qualified and what makes you stand out from the rest of the candidates. Being too self-centered can deter a potential employer and come off as not being a good team player.
Be late
Being late for the interview sends a message that you are unreliable and disrespectful of the interviewer's time. It can also create a negative first impression. A good rule of thumb is to arrive a few minutes early and take time to calm your nerves, instead of rushing to get to the interview and coming in frazzled.
Lie
Honesty is imperative during an interview. Lying about your experience, skills, or qualifications can damage your reputation and potentially result in termination if you are hired. This also goes for your resume. Falsifying your resume to get ahead will only hurt you in the long run.
By following these tips, you are sure to succeed and be confident in your next interview!
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.