Navigating a job interview can be daunting, especially if you’ve been out of the job search game; fortunately, with the proper interview prep, you can give your interviewer a positive and lasting impression and ultimately increase your chances of landing the role.
Your prep checklist should include a basic understanding of the most common interview do’s and don’ts, from getting ready beforehand to following up afterward. In order to assist you in your job hunt, this article will help you cover all the basic do’s and don’ts to make you stand out and feel more confident in your meeting.
Interview prep do’s and don’ts
Preparation is one of the most critical steps to help you feel confident and ready for your interview. Take time to gather information about the company and the role in advance. Waiting until the last minute to gather information will impact your performance during the meeting, as it can lead to missed details or unnecessary stress.
Do:
Review your materials: Make sure you have a printed resume, work portfolio, or any documents relevant to the role. Preparing these materials beforehand will demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.
Double-check your travel time or tech setup: For in-person interviews, plan your route and be sure to arrive early. For virtual interviews, test your equipment and internet connection in advance.
Get to know your interviewer: Research your interviewer’s profile via LinkedIn, as well as the company’s history, values, achievements, and other relevant info.
Don’t:
Wait until the last night to prepare: Rushed preparation can make you come across as unprepared and unfocused.
Forget to confirm details: Don’t forget to confirm the time, platform (if it’s virtual), and interviewer details.
Memorize your answers: Instead of having a rigid script, make sure to remember the key points you want to cover in your answers.
Appearance do’s and don’ts
How you present yourself sends a strong message to the interviewer about your commitment and enthusiasm for landing the position. Even in today’s world of virtual meetings, dressing is still a crucial aspect of an interview’s success. While some companies have more relaxed dress codes, wearing professional attire is best.
Do:
Dress appropriately: Choose an outfit that aligns with the company culture. In most cases, business or business-casual attire is the way to go.
Keep it clean and simple: Small details, like a well-fitted outfit, will give an impression of readiness and reliability.
Maintain good posture and eye contact: In a virtual setting, posture and eye contact can enhance your confidence, as well as show the interviewer you have full attention in the conversation.
Don’t:
Dress too casually: Even if the company is known for its relaxed culture, avoid overly casual choices, such as T-shirts or hoodies, as they can show you’re not interested enough in the job.
Neglect grooming details: Small details like clean shoes or a neat hairstyle will display that you’re careful about any specifics.
Lose control of your posture: Fidgeting hands, moving a lot in your seat, or crossing your arms will indicate nervousness or make you seem closed off.
Key communication do’s and don’ts
Once the interview starts, every interaction counts. Your communication style and what you choose to say—or not to say—speak volumes about you. Be genuine and concise and show respect by allowing the interviewer to lead.
Do:
Be honest about your skills: It’s tempting to embellish your qualities, but honesty is essential. Highlight your strengths, but ensure they align with your actual skill set.
Listen actively: Show respect by listening carefully and waiting until the interviewer finishes speaking. This will also give you a more comprehensive picture to provide more relevant answers.
Keep answers clear and concise: Ambiguous answers or beating around the bush will only distract your interviewer from what really matters. Aim to convey your skills and experience clearly and to the point.
Mock up a real interview scenario: Whether you prefer to practice in front of a mirror, ask a friend, or use AI to assist your interview prep, rehearse your answers to get constructive feedback and be more aware of your facial expressions and body language.
Don’t:
Interrupt or talk over the interviewer: While enthusiasm is positive, interrupting can appear disrespectful or overly eager.
Lose focus on your interviewer: Failing to follow the information your interviewer provides will prevent you from answering their questions more specifically.
Exaggerate your experience: Overstating skills you don’t possess can backfire if you’re hired and expected to perform beyond your capabilities.
Use overly casual language: Even if the interviewer has a friendly, relaxed tone, remain respectful and avoid slang or informal language.
Previous experiences do’s and don’ts
Interviewers often ask about past job experiences, so it’s crucial to frame your responses focusing on your professional growth—even if your last job had its challenges. When asked about past roles, keep your answers positive and focused on your growth and accomplishments.
Do:
Center past experiences positively: Focus on the skills you’ve gained, lessons you’ve learned, and contributions you made in previous roles.
Address your employment history: Be honest about any employment gaps, even if you got laid off, and share how you’ve managed to stay current.
Acknowledge challenges constructively: Use the obstacles you’ve dealt with in the past in your favor by briefly explaining the issue, how you approached it, and what you’ve learned.
Be diplomatic: Show respect by keeping your comments focused on your own actions and growth rather than criticizing previous colleagues, supervisors, or employers.
Don’t:
Criticize past employers: A rant about a previous employer will reflect poorly on your emotional intelligence skills and be a sign that you’re difficult to work with.
Overemphasize conflicts: Avoid detailing conflicts with past colleagues; instead, highlight how you aim to create positive relationships in new roles.
Sound resentful: Rather than sounding negative or frustrated about the past, focus on sharing how you’ve used previous experiences to develop your skills.
Questions for the interviewer do’s and don’ts
Asking thoughtful questions to the hiring manager is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the position and find out if the job matches your career goals. On top of that, having your questions ready in advance will also hint at how careful you’ve been with your job interview preparation.
Do:
Ask about the role and team: Inquire about specifics that show you’ve researched the company, like your area’s processes and how your position interacts with others.
Focus on growth and culture: Questions about growth opportunities and company culture show that you’re interested in long-term success and how you’ll fit in.
Prepare 5-10 thoughtful questions: Be ready with multiple questions in case your interviewers address some of them during the meeting.
Take notes: This will allow you to review the conversation at any point in the selection process and show interest in the answers to your questions.
Don’t:
Come unprepared: Even if you don’t have any concerns about the company or the role beforehand, use the topics discussed during the interview to craft questions that show your interest to the interviewer.
Ask basic or overly simple questions: Avoid questions that can be easily found on the company website, like “What does your company do?”
Inquire about salary and benefits too early: Save these questions for later stages; asking too soon can seem presumptuous.
Overlook job-specific details: Not asking about the job opening details will hint that you’re applying to more than one company or that this opportunity is not convincing enough.
Following up do’s and don’ts
Following up after an interview can reinforce your interest and keep you on the interviewer’s radar, but timing and approach matter.
Mention specific positives from the interview: Use your follow-up to mention the aspects of the role that excite you. If you didn’t send a thank-you note, send an email a few days later to check on the interviewer’s proposed update.
Keep it concise and professional: Your follow-up notes should be brief and polite. Focus on reinforcing your appreciation and attraction for the role and company.
Don’t:
Follow up repeatedly: Sending multiple messages can seem desperate; stick to one follow-up unless the interviewer asks you to contact him in a few days.
Make it too casual: Avoid informal language; keep your email professional even if the interview was friendly in the interview.
Forget to proofread: Small errors can reflect poor attention to detail.
Mastering these interview dos and don’ts can give you the confidence and professionalism to stand out. Each part of the process, from preparation to follow-up, is an opportunity to show that you’re ready for the role. Remember, the key to a successful interview is in the details—each small choice can add to a long-lasting impression.
