Interviews
The purpose of an interview is to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position. It is also a way for you and your employer to get to know each other. Interview questions are designed to either showcase your past performance or to predict how you would react in a given situation at work. The objective is to try to paint a picture of you and your past experience to predict how well you would perform in the position as well as within the company.
Interviews work both ways! Aside from letting the employer know more about you, your personality, and whether you will be a good fit for the organization, it is also a chance for you to find out whether you would like this new environment and the people you're going to be working with.
Explore the tabs below to access useful tips on how to make the most out of your interview preparation.
Interview Do's and Don'ts
DO's
Arrive early
Dress appropriately
Shake the interviewer's hand firmly and without hesitation (if it is in-person and is culturally acceptable practice for both you and the interviewer)
Maintain a comfortable amount of eye contact throughout the interview and with ALL the interviewers (in-person)
Sit with a good posture
Convey confidence and be comfortable with your answers
Use appropriate body language, hand gestures, and facial expressions
Do not interrupt the interviewer or other interviewees. Wait for your turn
Listen attentively and respond to the questions accordingly
Speak at an easy and comfortable pace. Use audible volume
Express enthusiasm and interest. Be genuine and sincere as well
Take the time to think before answering questions, when needed
If the interview is online, make sure that you are in a quiet space with good lighting and no background noise. Test your technology to ensure your microphone is working properly.
Don’ts
Use filler words such as "um," "like," or "you know"
Ramble on any unnecessary details
Shake or tap your legs and foot
Show up unprepared or show up late
Fidget or play with your hands or with other objects
Text on the phone or play games or have your phone close by or on
Slouch
Read straight from your resume and cover letter
Interrupt the interviewer or speak over them
Speak negatively about your past employers or colleagues
Speak poorly of yourself or put yourself down
Make assumptions about the company or role without doing research beforehand
Be overly familiar or casual with the interviewer