Interview Tips

What not to do in an interview

Understanding how not to act in an interview can help you leave the best impression and increase your chances of getting the job. Here are some things to avoid doing during an interview:

• Don't use your cellphone

• Don't dress inappropriately

• Don't have a bad attitude

• Don't lie

• Don't show up late or too early

• Don't exhibit off-putting body language

• Don't act desperate

• Don't eat or drink

Don't use your cellphone

Using your cellphone during an interview can make it seem like you're disinterested in the job you've applied for. It may also leave the impression that you'd rather be doing something else or that you have somewhere else to be.

In addition, fidgeting with your mobile device in the waiting room and during your interview makes you lose your focus. If you have your phone out, the hiring manager could catch you off guard if they suddenly walk up to you ready to start the interview.

Don't dress inappropriately

Dressing inappropriately can be disrespectful and show that you're not serious about the role you're applying for. If you dress too casually for a professional position, it could reveal that you didn't research the company ahead of time. It may also suggest to an employer that you may not fit in with the company culture.

Don't have a bad attitude

Since hiring managers assess your personality throughout the interview process, it's best to avoid a negative tone and attitude. Avoid acting defensively if the hiring manager brings up any difficult topics, such as about what you didn't like about your last company or why you were let go from a previous position. Not showing enthusiasm or having a negative demeanor could also lead them to believe you'd make a negative impact on the company's morale if you're hired.

Don't lie

If you lie during your interview, it gives the interviewer a false perception of your abilities. If you're hired on false qualifications, it's possible you won't be able to perform the job's duties effectively. If the hiring manager or your supervisor finds out you lied, it can lead to negative repercussions and your dismissal from the company.

Don't show up late or too early

Avoid arriving late to your interview since this shows a lack of respect for the hiring manager and their time. Showing up late can lead them to believe you're not taking the interview or the position seriously. In addition, arriving too early, such as an hour ahead of your scheduled time, can be an inconvenience to the hiring manager if they're not ready to interview you just yet. Arriving at the interview site too early can also come off as you being desperate for the role.

Don't exhibit off-putting body language

When you're at the interview, avoid body language like fidgeting, slouching and looking around the room. If you're too fidgety, it can appear as though you're disinterested. If hiring managers see you exhibiting this behavior, they may think you have other places to be and that you're not serious about the interview or position.

Similarly, be sure not to stare off into the distance, to a clock or to the door. This could also make interviewers believe you have somewhere else to be. Other types of body language like slouching or shrugging may come off as you not being enthusiastic about the interview or role.

Don't act desperate

Throughout your interview, don't beg the hiring manager for the job or inform the hiring manager of any financial difficulties you're experiencing. Both actions may put the interviewer in an uncomfortable position or overpower your genuine interest in the role. Don't act like you'll take any position either, as this could show hiring managers that you lack confidence in your abilities to do complex tasks or take on leadership responsibilities. It also shows them you may not be keen on working for their company specifically and that you'd likely be willing to take any position available to you.

Don't eat or drink

Avoid eating and drinking anything during the interview—even if your interviewer is—since this comes across as unprofessional. This can also be disruptive and distract you from the interview overall. If you're offered something, it's fine to accept it, but don't make the interviewer go out of their way. If you are thirsty, you may have a glass of water. This can also help you clear your throat and gather your thoughts prior to answering a question.

What to do in an interview

Conducting yourself professionally can help you showcase your qualifications and personality, make the interview experience more enjoyable and increase your chances of getting the job. Here is what to do during an interview:

• Come prepared

• Be polite

• Dress professionally

• Maintain eye contact

• Have good posture

• Stay positive

• Ask good questions

• Arrive early

• Show your enthusiasm for the role

• Turn off your cellphone

• Listen carefully

• Bring copies of your application materials

Come prepared

Before your interview, review common questions the interviewer may ask you, including both general questions and those specific to the role you're applying for. This step can ensure you're prepared to provide quality, effective answers that demonstrate your exceptional qualifications for the position.

It's also important to research the company, such as by visiting their website. This can give you an idea of what the company culture is like, what you can expect if you're hired and if this role is right for you. This process may also give you an idea of what to questions to ask at the end of the interview.

Be polite

Good etiquette can help you effectively make a positive first impression with your prospective employer. It's important to be kind, respectful and courteous to everyone you meet during your interview. Greet everyone politely and with a smile since it's possible that the people you meet during the interview will become your coworkers. This can also help you build professional and friendly relationships at your prospective company as soon as possible.

During the interview, it's also important to exhibit courteous behavior by letting the interviewer finish their sentences. Wait for them to speak and hold your questions until the end of the interview.

Dress professionally

Dress for the job you want to convey professionalism and show how serious you are about the position you're interviewing for. Choose your interview outfit according to what's standard in the industry and the company. When you do your research ahead of time, consider what you see current employees wearing in various photos that may be on the company site. If you're unsure of the company's dress code, it's best to dress more formally than what might be common as a current employee in the company or industry. In addition, maintain a neat appearance regarding both your outfit and hairstyle.

Maintain eye contact

Maintaining eye contact throughout the interview helps display confidence, connect with the person you're speaking to and demonstrate that you're engaged in the conversation. Consider practicing this element during a mock interview

with a colleague or mentor to better determine when and how to maintain eye contact throughout the meeting.

Have good posture

Employers want to hire employees with good self-esteem, and maintaining good posture helps display your confidence in your skills and qualifications. Good posture also shows that you're interested in the position and what the interviewer is saying. During your interview, sit up straight in your seat with your feet firmly planted on the floor.

Stay positive

No matter what you're asked, it's important to maintain a positive attitude. For example, if the interviewer asks you about previous positions that you don't have fond memories of, refrain from saying anything negative or critical about past employers or work-related situations, and keep your response as positive or neutral as possible.

Ask good questions

At the end of an interview, the hiring manager may ask if you have questions for them. This is a great opportunity to express your continued interest in the position and get clarity on anything you've been wondering about the company and the role. Conduct research prior to the interview and prepare intelligent questions ahead of time.

Arrive early

Consider arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to the interview site. Showing up to the interview early shows that you have good time management skills and that you're well prepared. It also demonstrates your interest in the role while also respecting the hiring manager's time.

To arrive early, provide yourself with ample time to arrive. Plan how you'll get to the interview site and what route you'll take. Consider traveling to the interview site ahead of time to determine the best route or account for possible delays on the day of the interview. Be mindful of the weather and traffic, too.

Show your enthusiasm for the role

There are many things you can do to demonstrate how excited you are to be interviewing for the role, which can leave a favorable impression on the interviewer. At the beginning of the interview, greet the interviewer enthusiastically, and reiterate your interest in the role at the end. Consider also asking the hiring manager the next steps in the interview process, which can show that you're also interested in moving forward with the interviewing and hiring process.

Overall, maintain a positive demeanor, be friendly and approachable and display your gratitude to the hiring manager for taking the time to meet with you and assess your qualifications.

Turn off your cell phone

Turn it off ahead of time and place it in your purse or pocket before or during the interview. Turning off your cell phone can also prevent it from ringing or making a sudden noise, which can prevent unnecessary disruption that may make you and the interviewer lose focus.

Listen carefully

Throughout your interview, it's important to display strong active listening skills to show the hiring manager that you're genuinely interested in the role. It also helps you better focus and understand what they're telling you, which is vital to the rest of the interview process and to your prospective career at the company.

If you need to practice or sharpen your active listening skills, fully concentrate on what others are saying and observe their behavior during your daily conversations. This helps you become a better listener both in and outside of an interview.

Bring copies of your application materials

Have copies of your resume, work samples, a photo ID and references should the interviewer ask for them. If they don't have your resume with them, you can provide a hard copy. Your interview may be with a group of people, so making multiple copies of your resume allows you to have hard copies they can refer to for their convenience.

It's also important to have a pen and a notepad so you can take notes on important discussion points or items you'd like to ask about at the end of the interview. Bringing these tools and materials ensures that you're well prepared for the interview overall and demonstrates skills like organization, problem-solving and thinking ahead.