Written by: Sabrina Grebenstein and Ruth V. Walker, PhD

Published April 5, 2024

So, you’ve snagged an interview for that dream job you’ve been eyeing. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to make sure you leave a lasting impression. Here are our top 5 Do's and Don'ts for your next interview! 

The Do's

1. 💻 Research, Research, Research

You've probably heard this a million times, but it's crucial. If you haven’t - doing your research is the first step in any successful job interview preparation. Thoroughly read the company's website. You want to make sure you understand their mission, values, and achievements. Familiarize yourself with the industry trends and the role you're applying for. Knowing your stuff not only impresses the interviewer but will also help you feel more confident.

2. 🗨️ Practice with ChatGPT

Yep, that's right! ChatGPT can be your secret weapon in preparing for those interview questions. You can ask ChatGPT to provide you with a list of potential interview questions that you can prepare for in advance and even get feedback on your responses. See my previous blog post for more details and examples of how ChatGPT can help you practice. (ChatGPT can also help you understand more about the industry and other information you may not be familiar with from the company website). The more you practice, the more natural and confident you'll sound during the actual interview.

3. 👔 Dress to Impress

It’s okay to be the best dressed person in the room, but it’s not okay - as the person being interviewed - to be the most casually dressed person in the room. Expectations for how you dress will vary widely by profession, industry, and organization. You want to dress to match the company’s culture and expectations for employee clothing; however, if you don’t know the expectations for a new company - err on the side of being more formal. For example, a suit in a neutral color (e.g., black, navy, gray), a wrinkle-free button down shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. It’s also a good idea to avoid strong fragrances and to minimize jewelry and other accessories until you have a better understanding of the company's clothing culture. 

4. ⏰ Arrive Early

Punctuality speaks to your professionalism and reliability. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time. This not only allows you to compose yourself but also shows that you respect the interviewer's time. Plus, it gives you a chance to observe the workplace environment and gather your thoughts before the big moment. Remember that you are being interviewed from the time you arrive, until the time you leave. Be courteous and professional to everyone. Remember, they may be your future coworkers.

5. 🤔 Ask Thoughtful Questions

Be prepared for the last question of the interview, "Do you have any questions for us?" Come prepared with a list of potential questions about the company, the team dynamics, or the role itself. Don't ask anything that has already been addressed during the interview. You don’t want them to think you weren’t listening when they were talking or didn’t do your research by reading their website. Remember, ChatGPT can help you draft this list of questions! Try to ask questions that highlight the research you did on the company when you were preparing and show your interest/enthusiasm in the job.

The Don'ts 

1. ❌ Don't Wing It

Even seasoned, successful professionals don’t go into interviews without careful preparation. They understand the importance of taking the time to research, prepare, and practice. No matter how confident you might be in your abilities, winging an interview is not a good idea. Take the time to review common interview questions, brainstorm your responses, and practice articulating them. Trust me, it'll make a world of difference.

2. 🤐 Don't Overshare

Although it is important to show your interviewers that you are someone they would enjoy working with by being personable and engaging, oversharing personal information can be a red flag. Keep your responses focused on your professional experiences, skills, and achievements relevant to the job. It’s also a good idea to avoid discussing controversial topics or anything that could potentially make the interviewer uncomfortable.

3. 🚫 Don't Badmouth Previous Employers

Don’t badmouth your previous employers or colleagues. Saying negative things about past coworkers, supervisors, or organizations reflects poorly on you - not on them. It will immediately raise concerns about your professionalism, attitude, and interpersonal skills. Instead, focus on the positive aspects and what you learned from those experiences.

4. 🙅‍♂️ Don't Forget Nonverbal Communication

Your body language speaks volumes, sometimes even louder than your words. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and offer a firm handshake when greeting your interviewer. Use cues that tell them you are listening when they talk such as nodding your head and leaning slightly forward. Avoid fidgeting, crossing your arms, or slouching - these could tell them you are nervous (best case) or disinterested (worst case). Your goal is to project confidence and enthusiasm through both verbal and nonverbal cues.

5. 🙏 Don't Leave Without Expressing Gratitude

After the interview is over, always thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. This is your way of expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the position. Do this even if you are not interested in the position! You always want to leave a good impression. You never know if that interviewer may be the key to a future opportunity. A simple thank you note or email restating your interest in the role can set you apart from other candidates.

Remember, preparation, confidence, and professionalism are the keys to success. Research, practice, dress to impress, arrive early, remember your nonverbal communication, and express your appreciation for the opportunity. Good luck! 🍀