Interview Tips - Ten Top Dos & Donts for Winning Interviews

In this day and age it can become increasingly difficult to even get your foot in the door and get an interview; once you've accomplished that you will want to make sure you continue to put your best foot forward and nail the interview as well. Unfortunately, as great as their skills, experience and education are; the interview is where many people lose a job opportunity to their competition. Understanding what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in an interview are critical to receiving a job offer.

Tip # 1 Dress appropriately. If you don't take the time and effort to wear appropriate clothing to the interview, you will lose the job before you even get a chance to explain why you are the best candidate. What you wear to the interview will greatly depend upon the industry or field for which you are applying. Any office related position will require that you wear clothing that is no more casual than a button up shirt, slacks and tie for men and either a nice slacks/skirt and blouse combo for ladies or a dress/suit. Only under rare circumstances would you need to wear anything more casual and this generally includes fields such as transportation, construction, mechanics, etc. Additionally, clothing should be conservative and preferably reflect neutral tones. Avoid excessive jewelry. Don't go overboard on the use of cologne or perfume. Many people suffer from allergies and the last thing you want to do is cause your prospective employer an allergy attack.

Tip #2 Go to the interview alone. There is absolutely no reason for anyone else to attend the interview with you and this includes parents, children as well as spouses and significant others. If you are having a friend or relative drive you to the interview, politely ask them to wait outside for you. If for some reason, you are unable to obtain childcare for the time of your interview, phone ahead and politely ask to reschedule. While this is not the best way to start off your relationship with the employer, it is a much better option than taking your child with you.

Tip #3 Pace your conversation during the interview. There is a fine line between not talking enough and talking too much. Answer questions directly, elaborate when necessary but don't ramble.

Tip #4 Make sure you are polite to everyone you meet while you are waiting for your interview. This is extremely important because 1. These people may be your future co-workers and 2. You never know who has the boss' ear and will report your rude behavior or unseemly conduct once you're out the door.

Tip #5 Arrive early. If your interview is scheduled for 1:00 pm; make sure you are there no later than 12:30 pm. It is quite common for employers to ask candidates to complete applications and other paperwork prior to their interview, whether they specify this when they schedule the interview with you or not.

Tip #6 Make sure you are prepared for the interview. This means that you have both practiced for the interview and have brought along all materials that you may need for any circumstance. (pens, pencils, notepad, extra copies of your resume, etc.) Also make sure you have copies of your drivers' license and Social Security card in case the employer needs to make copies for future employment records.

Tip #7 Be honest! This cannot be emphasized enough. Employers many times move in the same social circles and there is a very good chance that if you fib during an interview you will be found out sooner or later. Even if you have already been hired, lying on an application or during an interview is grounds for dismissal with most companies.

Tip # 8 Don't smoke or chew tobacco just before or during your interview. Also remember to spit out gum, if you chew it. Additionally, if you do smoke, remember to spritz yourself with light cologne or perfume before you meet with the employer as well as pop in a breath mint.

Tip # 9 Turn off your cell phone and pager prior to your interview. There is nothing more insulting to an employer or disrupting during an interview to have a cell phone or page continue to ring/beep. Let your voice mail catch any incoming calls.

Tip #10 Be enthusiastic! Let the employer know how interested you are in the position and what a great job you can do.

Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

---

Cleaning Houses for a Living Has Some Unexpected Benefits

If you're looking for a way to earn a living... Read More

Dissatisfied With Your Job? Stop Believing The Myths!

If you are dissatisfied with your job, you are in... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Try, Try, Again

This article relates to the Career Opportunities competency and explores... Read More

Recruiters for MSN or Data Miners?

Is Kenexa recruiting for Microsoft or just mining for data?I... Read More

Tackling Your Unemployment Creatively

Are you unemployed or been laid off? You are not... Read More

Where Do I Go From Here?

Making Your Future Work Better For YouIt's the commonest concern... Read More

Ideal Job and Handling Criticism

How many times have you been asked, "What is your... Read More

Powerful Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are de rigueur with many organizations.Companies conduct phone... Read More

The Best Business And Economy Solutions

In todays Business and economy, starting any business service requires... Read More

Searching for Jobs Online

Searching for jobs online is easier than ever, but also... Read More

Job Search Advice for Desperate Job Seekers

Another morning of job hunting lies ahead of you. You... Read More

What To Do When You Get Caught Surfing By The Boss!

It has been a long morning and you need a... Read More

Seven Ways to Stand Out in a Sea of Applicants

Is your résumé getting lost in a flood of résumés?... Read More

Technology in the Workplace - Boon or Curse?

Like all new innovations, technology in the work environment can... Read More

Competency Based Interviews - 6 Steps to Success!

Competency based interviews are intended to get the best from... Read More

If You Think You Cant Change Course... Youre Right

You've heard the... Read More

Writing a Resume: To Template or Not To Template?

Are free resume templates a viable answer to preparing a... Read More

How to Give Job-Winning Answers at Interviews

Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts... Read More

Losing Your Job Without Losing Yourself

When we lose our jobs, no matter the reason, we... Read More

Manage Your Boss - And Get Ahead!

It's clear there are a number of common issues faced... Read More

How To Write A Resume Cover Letter That Will Get Your Resume Read

A Resume Cover Letter has only one purpose - to... Read More

Finding Freelance Writing Jobs - Join Us On The Job Search

Finding freelance writing jobs require great skill, dedication and lots... Read More

Employment Law: Unfair Dismissal - Employer Succeeded in Changing Terms of Employment

Good News for Employers wishing to change the terms of... Read More

Counter-Offers: Do They Merit Consideration?

You are one of the fortunate few who have not... Read More

Are You a Nice Person? What Companies are Looking for in Recruiting and Retaining Great People

Hal Rosenbluth, author of The Customer Comes Second, states; "In... Read More

Seeking Knowledge Will Give You Power

What are you interested in? We all have a passion... Read More

Job Interviews: How to Answer the How Do You Handle Stressful Situations? Question

When answering the "How do you handle stressful situations?" question... Read More

Yes, Ive Had Gaps In My Employment History--What To Do About It?

Yes, I've Had Gaps In My Employment History--What Can I... Read More

What Me? Lie On My Resume? Who Will Know?

The temptation to lie on a resume is great! How... Read More

Mid-Life Crisis: Its Not Just for Men Anymore!

A recent story in Career Journal begins:"The "midlife crisis" has... Read More

Using Recruiters: How To Get A Step Ahead Of The Crowd

When there is an opening to fill, a company has... Read More

For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on... Read More

Tips on Finding Employment as a Corporate Flight Attendant

I will not pretend that this is the easiest topic... Read More