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Table of Contents
1.4 Job Interview Basics
1.4.3 Dos And Don’ts Of A Job Interview

Interview do's

  • Choose your clothing well and dress appropriately. Extremes in fashion or very casual clothes should generally be avoided. Look neat and clean.
  • It is important to show you value time.Be punctual. Make sure that you are 10 minutes early and if you are going to be unavoidably detained ring and let the company know.
  • Use clear and unambiguent words when expressing yourself.
  • Present you views clearly, preferrably use short and positive sentences.
  • Bring a copy of all relevant documents, so you can refer to them if necessary.
  • Listen carefully to the questions and answer clearly and thoughtfully.
  • Make eye-contact. Remember to talk to the person (not the top right hand corner of the room or at their shoes).
  • Make sure you fully understand the question and if there is something uncelar for you ask additional questions.
  • If you are being interviewed by a panel, ensure that you direct your answer to the person who asked the question, while still including the other interviewers by making brief eye contact.
  • Be aware of what your needs are, so as you can assess how well the company can fulfil them.
  • Be confident. Remember that you applied for the position because you thought that you could do it.
  • Show enthusiasm for the company and the position.
  • If you are invited for an interview remember that they already like you. Employers don't interview everyone. They only interview those people who they think have the right skills and experience to succeed in the position.
  • Make sure that you always present your skills in a positive light. Even when describing your weaknesses you should always show them what you are doing to work on them.
  • Make sure that you have an idea about where your want to be in the future. You must be able to answer the question "Where do want to be in five years time?"

Interview don'ts

  • No matter how negative experiences you might have with previous employers, don't make derogatory remarks about past or present employers.
  • Don't interrupt the interviewer before they have finished asking you a question and never finish their sentences for them.
  • Don't Lie. If you have to lie about what you are like or your abilities in order to obtain the job, you are likely to find yourself in a position that you don't really like and probably one in which you will have problems fulfilling successfully.
  • Don't talk about salary, holidays or bonuses unless they bring them up.
  • Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Make sure that you explain your reasoning fully.
  • Don't wear too much perfume or aftershave.
  • Don't smoke even if invited to do so.

 


Online Resource

Guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at job interview

15 toughest interview questions and answers.

 

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

The SWOT - Skills for Work Opportunities in Eno-gastronomy and Tourism project © 2018