Acing your interview: Do’s and Do Not’s

Yesterday I wrote about things that can make your resume look unprofessional. These types of resumes often get overlooked. However, a resume isn’t the only hurdle to overcome when you try to land a job. The interview is the pivotal point in the hiring process. During an interview you can easily bore your potential employer or do some other blunders that can result in you not getting the job.

So here are some do’s and do not’s of interviewing:

Do:

Dress the part. You can really never be overdressed for an interview. I recently had an interview in an office where the dress code is always casual; I still wore a suit and heels.

Ask questions. Asking questions lets the employer know that you are genuinely interested in the job.

Do your research. Know about the company before you walk in the door.

Be yourself. I once interviewed with a company where the hiring manager told me that there were plenty of applicants that are “professional interviewees” and that they would not be themselves during an interview and then when they were hired, they were a completely different person. Also, when you be yourself you will be less nervous and a bit more easygoing.

Don’t:

Dwell on why you lost your last job.

Be unprepared in any way. This means don’t just “wing it.” This really goes back to being prepared for the interview by doing your research about the company as well as knowing your on skills and being prepared for any questions that the interviewer may ask.

Be bland. You have to set yourself apart from other candidates. You have to let them know what makes you different and why they need you. Every employer wants the best candidate for the job and that needs to be you.