EFFECTIVE INTERVIEWING "DO'S AND DON'TS"
by Kevin Brennfleck and Kay Marie Brennfleck
National Certified Career Counselors

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You may already be aware of many of the "do's and don'ts" listed below. However, it is important to remind yourself of the following information prior to every interview that you have. By following through on the following do's and don'ts, you will maximize your potential to present yourself well in the interview and be selected for the job.

DO'S:

Greet the interviewer by Mr. or Ms. _____________. Let the interviewer take the lead in giving you permission to call him or her by first name.

Smile, shake hands firmly, look the employer in the eye when talking to him/her, and watch your body posture so you appear to be comfortable and confident.

Listen carefully so that your answers and comments are succinct and appropriate.

Unless otherwise asked, discuss matters related to the job only.

Give concrete examples to back up your "selling points." For example, instead of saying that you are skilled at developing new merchandizing strategies, state, "I developed a new merchandising strategy that resulted in $20,500 of additional profit."

Assertively express your strengths and accomplishments. You serve the interviewer best by giving him or her an accurate picture of your capabilities.

Pause before answering questions. Give yourself a chance to mentally compose your answers.

Ask for clarification if you don't understand clearly a question you are asked.

Speak in a confident voice. Be enthusiastic!

Translate your skills so the employer can see how you can meet his/her needs. That is, explain how the skills you have developed previously will enable you to do this job effectively.

Ask well thought-out and relevant questions.

Stress your qualifications and interest in the job.

Find out when you can expect to receive a call or when you may call back the employer regarding his/her decision.

DON'TS:

Be late. Do arrive about 10 minutes prior to your interview time.

Use slang, dominate the conversation or argue.

Be critical or negative (e.g., regarding a former employer). The prospective employer may then be concerned that you are a negative person and/or that you will talk this way about their company, as well.

Act defensive or intimidated.

Chew gum, smoke, tap the table or tell jokes.

Evade questions or be afraid to ask questions.

Beg, boast or act desperate.

Bring your social life into the interview.

Suggest that this job is a stepping stone.

Be over-eager or complain about anything.

Don't ask about salary, vacations, bonuses, benefits, insurance, sick pay, retirement. Wait until the employer brings up these items for discussion and/or you are offered the job.

Go into too much detail...60 second responses are generally about right.

Race through your answers--take your time.

Be late. (This point bears repeating!)

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Source: The above information is published electronically on by Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck, and is intended for personal use only. No commercial use of this information is authorized without written permission from the copyright owners. For additional information, contact the Brennflecks at 626/577-2705. The Christian Career Center is found at www.ChristianCareerCenter.com and on America Online at keyword COCC.