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| Interview Etiquette Before the Interview
- Your hair should be combed and clean.
- Nails should be
trimmed and clean.
- Be conservative and err on the side of caution. If
the company does not have a dress code, remember that its better to overdress
than underdress. The "preppy" look will be more impressive than looking
like a heavy-metal rocker.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before your interview.
The extra minutes will also give time to fill out any forms or applications that
might be required.
- Always fill out an application, if presented to you.
Some employers are required to use form applications, and you will not get the
job if you refuse to use the proper form.
- Turn off your cell phone or
pager.
- Don't assume that whoever greets you is the receptionist.
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| Interview Etiquette During
the Interview - Make a positive and professional first impression
by being assertive and giving a firm handshake to each interviewer and addressing
each interviewer by name as he or she is introduced.
- Reinforce your professionalism
and your ability to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding "uhs",
"you knows", and slang. Don't curse or use offensive language.
- Use
appropriate wording. You won't receive extra points for each word that has more
than 10 letters. Use technical terms only when appropriate to the question.
- Do
not smoke or chew gum, even if they are offered to you.
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Be Prepared to Answer the Following Questions
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Tell me about yourself? -
Tell
me about your background, accomplishments? -
What
are your strengths? Weaknesses? -
How would you
describe your most recent job performance? -
What
interests you about our company? -
How do you stay
professionally current? -
What outside activities
are most significant to your personal development?
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Be Prepared to Ask the Following Questions
-
What would I be expected to accomplish in this position? -
What are the greatest challenges in this position? -
How do you think I fit the position?
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Some DON'T's to Keep in Mind
- Don't forget to bring a copy of your resume! Keep several copies in your briefcase
if you are afraid you will forget.
- Don't smoke, even if the interviewer
does and offers you a cigarette. Do not chew gum.
- Don't answer with a
simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe
those things about yourself which relate to the situation.
- Don't lie.
Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly.
- Don't make unnecessary
derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were
issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave
a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your
comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale.
- Don't
over-answer questions. And if the interviewer steers the conversation into politics
or controversial issues, try to do more listening than speaking since this could
be a sensitive situation.
- Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses,
retirement, etc., on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is
interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate
what you've earned but that you're more interested in opportunity than in a specific
salary.
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| Interview Etiquette
After the Interview - Shake each interviewer's hand and thank
each interviewer by name.
- Send a Cover
Letter as soon after the interview as possible.
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