Below are some helpful do’s and don’ts to remember in the interview process.

Interview Do’s

• Know the exact time and location of the interview.  Know how long it takes to get there and alternate routes in case the roads you usually take are blocked and you need to take a different route.  Also find out where you need to park and where the nearest restroom is in case you need to freshen up.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early.  Also know the interviewers phone number in case there is a problem and you are going to be late.  Call ahead and inform the interviewer of your delay.
• Treat everyone in the office with respect.  You never know whose opinion may be solicited during the hiring process.
• Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and have a good friendly expression when you greet the interviewer.
• Listen to the interviewer’s name and pronunciation.  Always address the interviewer by his/her title (Ms., Mrs., and Mr.) and last name, unless you are invited to do otherwise.
• Sit still in your seat and don’t fidget or slouch.  Remember to maintain good eye contact.
• Be thorough in your responses, but be concise in the wording.  Be sure to give detailed examples when asked.
• If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.
• Be honest about yourself and your abilities.  If you are dishonest and the interviewer discovers it, your job offer maybe withdrawn or worse, you may be fired.  You want to make sure that you and the company are a good match.  If the company hires you when you are acting like someone other than yourself, you and the company will be unhappy.
• Treat the interview seriously.  If you are not interested in the company, don’t waste your time and the company’s time on interviewing for a position you are not interested in.
• Have a positive attitude.  The interviewer is evaluating your potential as a co-worker.  Behave like someone you would want to work with.
• Research the company and prepare questions that you did not find in your research.  This will show the interviewer you have taken the initiative to find out about the details of the company, i.e. mission and goals.
• Know about the nest steps in the hiring process; know when and whom you expect to hear from next.
• When the interview is done, make sure to offer a firm handshake to the interviewer and thank them for considering you for the position.
• Make sure to write notes after the interview, so you don’t forget valuable information.
• Remember to ask for business cards from each person who is interviewing you.  You will want to write them a thank you note for their time and consideration of you for the open position.

Interview Dont’s

• Don’t make negative remarks about past employers or companies.
• Don’t make excuses about you behavior or actions.  Take responsibility for you decisions.
• Don’t lie on the application or answers to interview questions.
• Don’t treat the interview casually.  You are wasting the interviewer’s and company’s time.
• Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in the position’s salary. 
• Don’t ask about the salary or benefits until the interviewer brings the subject up.
• Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke.
• Don’t answer your cell phone during the interview.  If you have a cell phone, turn it off before the interview begins.
• Don’t act like you are desperate for employment or that you would take any job offered to you.
• Don’t be unprepared for typical interview questions.  You might not be asked all of the questions, but being unprepared looks foolish.
• Don’t exhibit frustrations or negative attitudes in the interview process.
• Don’t go to extremes with you posture.  Don’t sit on the edge of your chair and don’t slouch.