There is plenty of advice to be found on what you should do when interviewing for a job.
Following are some tips on what not to do – and why!
Interviewer: “Why did you leave your last job?” Candidate: “I was met with a string of broken promises and lies…”
Do *not* say anything even remotely negative. This includes past employers! You even enjoyed the drive to the interview…no matter how long you were stuck in traffic.
Interviewer: “Why are you interested in this position with our company?” Candidate: “I need money! I want to have a life, party, give my wife expensive gifts, and have something on my menu besides soup.”
Do *not* take the interview for granted! The interview process is your opportunity to sell yourself for the position, as well as to learn more about it. Be fully prepared with your notes with regard to: 1) the company, 2) the position, and 3) yourself (resume). You then are able to come across as organized and articulate. Use specific examples when answering questions; stress your accomplishments.
Interviewer: “Do you have any questions for me?” Candidate: “Um…yeah. Hey, did you catch that Braves game last night?”
Do *not* show up to the interview unprepared to ask good questions. Who’s been successful and why? Why is the position open? Who does the position report to; who does it supervise? What needs to be done in the first six months; the first year? Are there any major challenges that need to be addressed immediately? What is your highest priority in the next six months, and how could someone like me help?
Human Resources Professional: “Candidate (falsely) claimed to have been a professional baseball player.”
Do *not* lie about your salary…or your education…or your employment or criminal history. These things can be and are checked!
Hiring Manager: “Candidate wore turban, one-shouldered top, and sandals. When asked if she thought she was dressed appropriately, she said, “Don’t you think I look pretty?”
Do *not* dress inappropriately for the interview! What you wear has an impact on the first impression you make and significant influence on the entire interview. A decision is made about whether you may be the right person for the job in the first five minutes, and the hiring manager spends the next half-hour trying to defend that decision. If you can, prior to the interview find out what the company’s dress code is, and dress better than suggested. Most times, it’s best to wear a suit, particularly when it’s a first interview. Conservative is still the rule of thumb for interviews.
Interviewer: “What questions do you have for me?” Candidate: “How much PTO [Paid Time Off] will I get?”
Do *not* discuss salary or benefit packages, particularly during the first interview! Remain open. If you are asked what you’re looking for, it is fine to let them know what your salary and bonus structure is today. Beyond that, let them know you’d rather defer that conversation until you’ve learned more about the opportunity, and they’ve learned more about what you can bring to the company.
Interviewer: “Candidate flushed the toilet during the phone interview.”
Phone interviews are frequently a first step in the interviewing process. Do *not* disregard the importance of this first impression! Be sure to set up a specific time in advance for the call. This will allow you to be fully prepared and avoid situations where you are unable to conduct an effective interview. Make sure your phone (especially if you are on an extension) is audible or in good working order. Avoid cell phones. Be aware of any potential distractions, i.e.; radio, television, background conversations, etc. If you have the “call waiting” feature on your phone, do not interrupt your conversation to answer a call!
Recruiter: “Candidate was so nervous; the poor guy asked me how my weekend was four times.”
Do *not* appear nervous or desperate! A client recently told me that their top candidate for a particular position was ultimately not given the offer because he appeared so desperate during his interviews with the hiring manager.
Recruiter: “Candidate showed up for her 4:00 p.m. interview at 2:30.”
If you have an interview scheduled for a job you really want, don’t be late. Also, do not be an hour and a half early! It’s disrespectful; recruiters and hiring managers have busy schedules just like everyone else. Be sure you know where you’re going so that you can arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. Drive to the location in advance of the interview if necessary to be sure you know exactly where you’re going. In the event that you do arrive more than ten minutes prior to your scheduled meeting time, wait in your car or find a nearby place – outside the office or waiting room – to wait.
Interviewer: “Candidate showed up with his mother and said she would give him an excellent reference.”
No matter what, do not, I repeat, do *not* allow your parent(s) to go with you! And do not let your parents try to negotiate your offer for you. Your parents have no place in the interview process. Ever!
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