Interview Best Practices: Do’s and Don’ts with My Career Advisor

Interviewing is a critical part of the selection process and allows you to describe your experience, education, and training in more detail. It is also a chance for you to better understand the organization and the position you’re applying for. Keep reading for My Career Advisor’s interview best practices!

Remember: the job interview is a two-way discussion between you and the interviewer. The interviewer is trying to figure out if you have the skills the position requires, and you are trying to figure out if you will accept the position if the job is offered. Both of you are trying to gain as much information as possible to make an informed decision. 

Interview Best Practices

As you answer questions, remember that the interviewer is observing you. If you are unsure of what the interviewer is asking, don’t hesitate to have them clarify the question. This will give you a few seconds to gather your thoughts and help you develop your response.

Interview DO’s: 

• Plan ahead: arriving early for your interview is critical 
• Silence your cell phone and smartwatch
• Greet everyone with a smile and a firm handshake, and make good eye contact 
• Bring your resume and offer a copy to each interviewer
• Use your body language to show enthusiasm and confidence
• Be honest and answer questions directly
• Listen carefully, and make sure to keep your answers brief, concise, and relevant
• Focus on your skills and understand the job announcement so you can target your answers

Interview DON’Ts:

• Arriving late
• Using too many “ums”
• Having a negative attitude
• Being overly shy or aggressive
• Chewing gum
• Talking too much
• Answering your cell phone
• Answer a different question than the one asked

Clothing & Appearance

Making a strong first impression is important! Make sure you’re well-groomed, and avoid wearing strong cologne or perfume. Keep your jewelry to a minimum and, if possible, conceal any tattoos that may be deemed inappropriate. Your clothing should be clean and neatly presented.

Guidelines for attire:

• Shirt and tie
• Dress pants or khakis
• Socks that match pants
• Dress shoes
• Business dress
• Blouse with skirt or dress
• Slacks
• Low heel shoes

*For some industries, business casual attire may be appropriate, such as a polo or button-down shirt, slacks, or khakis.