Mar 3rd 2021

The top 7 dos and don’ts for a successful interview

Congratulations on landing your interview! You have caught the eye of the hiring manager and made it through the first stage of the job hunt. This means you are one step closer to getting your dream job – now all you need is a successful interview. 

The interview stage is the perfect chance to let your personality shine through, showcasing your skill sets and really driving home to your potential employer what you can bring to the table.

But, if you’re thinking to yourself – where do I even begin in making sure I nail the interview process? Then don’t worry, you are not alone. And while there might be hundreds of tips and tricks you can scroll through, we have pulled together our top seven dos and don’ts. Remember these and you’ll knock it right out the park! 

7 dos and don’ts for a successful interview

Interview dos:

1. Be on time

Arrive 10-15 minutes early. It sets things off on the completely wrong foot if you rock up late to an interview. Anything could go wrong – traffic, cancellations, small obstacles. By making sure you leave enough time you allow yourself some room for error. But, in the case of something beyond your control delaying you, be sure to drop your interviewer a quick email keeping them updated.

2. Smile and maintain eye contact

It is scientifically proven that eye contact increases your chances of connecting with other people and it shows confidence. In fact, you should be making eye contact 60 to 70 percent of the time to create an emotional connection with the interviewer. Practice with a friend if you feel this is something you can improve on. You’ll come across more confident and leave a better overall impression which will ultimately influence their overall hiring decision.

3. Study the job description 

Study the job description carefully, particularly the requirements and how you and your experiences match, or even exceed them. Remember, hiring managers are looking for qualified candidates for the job. For example, the job description might be looking for strong management skills. You want to be able to answer questions and give real-life examples on the spot that shows how you are suitable for the role and how your skills are perfect for the responsibilities of the role. 

4. Research the company

Research the company – the quickest way to fail an interview is to know nothing about the company. Employers want you to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of who they are, what they do, and where they’re going. In fact, 47% of interviewers don’t hire a candidate as they didn’t have any information about the company they were applying for.

5. Prepare for the standard interview questions

Be prepared to answer the standard job interview questions such as your strengths and weaknesses, where you see yourself in two years, and why you’re the right person for the role. Look up the most common interview questions and think of how you might answer them.

6. Ask the right questions 

Be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position to show you are interested in the role and also a passion for the company itself. By asking questions about management style, team collaboration, and professional development you can really set yourself apart from others. Have a look at these 27 questions to ask in your interview to help prepare yourself. 

7. Dress to impress 

Be sure to dress professionally for your interview, even if it is for a smaller company. By dressing too casually, you give off the impression that you are not that serious about the position. If you are not sure, then lean towards the more formal side of things – it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed in an interview.

Interview don’ts:

1. Be too eager to speak

You must avoid half-listening to what the interviewer says. You might miss an important part of the question or what they are saying by rushing to speak. By always listening to your interview properly, you avoid misunderstanding the question and also coming across as impatient. Listening is an important skill in all parts of life – so show it’s one of your strong suits.

2. Mention irrelevant skills 

Only share an achievement or information that is relevant to the role and will help show you off to the interviewer. Focus on your most recent accomplishments that show your transferable skills to the current job requirements. It’s great that you won a drawing competition in fifth grade. But focus on accomplishments that matter for the job at hand. 

3. Lie about your experience

Making a false claim can be easily discovered by accessing online information. It’s really easy for the interviewer to validate information online or contact your previous employers. Many hiring managers and recruiters will double-check information – so it’s not worth the risk. Honesty is always the best policy.

4. Trash current or past employers

It is important to avoid being negative about former places you’ve worked as this does not paint you in a very good light. It’s extremely unprofessional. Instead, use your communication skills to focus on things you would improve if there’s something you’re not happy with. Be constructive and talk about how you believe things should be done.

5. Ask the wrong questions

Do not ask questions about background checks, drug tests, raises, and holidays (until the job offer stage). Asking about drug tests or background checks makes it look like you have something to hide. This is a big red flag. You may come across as entitled or lazy if you make requests before you’ve reached the job offer stage.

6. Start to panic 

Interviews are nerve-wracking, and you often end up having curve balls thrown at you that can send your head spinning. But you must do your best to remain calm and not panic. These sorts of questions are there to test how you handle the heat, so even if you don’t get it completely right, just focus on answering in a confident and logical manner.

7. Leave things on a bad note

Just as first impressions count, so does the impression you leave behind in those last few moments. Make sure you don’t rush the ending or leave without thanking them and making eye contact. The last impression counts and so don’t worry if you made a few mistakes, leave with confidence and with a smile as this can make a big difference. 

Good luck with your interview! Remember, you’re there because the company is genuinely interested in you. So relax, enjoy the ride and it will be a successful interview! And for those of you that have an online interview coming up, these essential tips for your online interview will help you sail right through. 

If you are on the job hunt and looking for some top tips on how to land your dream job, then check out our ultimate guide to getting a job.