Interview dos and don’ts

Today’s job market is hyper competitive. Gone are the days when a candidate could get by with half-decent academic qualifications, good looks and a winning smile.

Here are some tips on proper etiquette.

Dressing inappropriately

What you choose to wear to an interview is very important. Research has shown that many recruiters immediately form an opinion based on their first impressions of a candidate.

Avoid bright, flashy colors as the interviewer may find them distracting. Prefer muted colors such as navy blue, gray or brown. All items of clothing should be clean and wrinkle free.

If you have any tattoos, make sure that they are covered up. While you may think they are cool and trendy, your interviewer may not.

Match your outfit to the role you are applying for. A three piece suit would be overkill for a driver job but could be appropriate for a senior executive role.

Ripped jeans, t-shirts, shorts and flip flops are examples of what should never be worn to any interview.

Not being well groomed

There are few things more off-putting than body odor. If you have gone through life without ever using deodorant, now would be a good time to invest in some. Apply the deodorant after a shower.

Avoid bad breath by minimizing the consumption of certain foods and drinks on the day of the interview. Garlic, onions, eggs and dairy products are some examples.

Alcohol should also be skipped starting at least 24 hours before the interview until the interview is over. Beer breath is difficult to mask because it originates in the lungs and not in the mouth. It will only subside once the alcohol has been eliminated from the body and that takes time.

Brush your teeth before you leave the house. Chew some gum or a breath mint and discard it before you enter the building.

If you decide to wear cologne or perfume, apply as little as possible. The scent should be subtle, not overpowering.

Ensure hair and nails are clean and neatly trimmed. Men should be clean shaven. Women who choose to wear makeup should not overdo it.

Arriving late or too early

Make every effort to arrive early. Heavy traffic is not a valid excuse for showing up late. You should try and anticipate scenarios that could cause a delay and plan accordingly. For example, you have arranged a lift from a friend or family member but that person has proven to be unreliable in the past. You would be better off taking a cab or bus.

If you are familiar with the route and heavy traffic is a frequent occurrence, then add even an hour to your estimated journey time. It is better to arrive one hour early than even a single minute late.

If you are unfamiliar with the route, take some time beforehand to familiarize yourself with the area. You could browse Google Maps on your phone or perform a dry run by traveling to the location a couple of days before the interview date.

If you are more than fifteen minutes early, you can pass some time by walking around outside. Enter the building ten to fifteen minutes before the interview is scheduled to start. This will allow plenty of time for any security checks. Announce your arrival at reception by stating your name and the purpose of your visit.

Not being prepared

Interviewers can usually tell straight away that a candidate is unprepared.

Here are some preparation tips.

Do some research by browsing the company’s website, LinkedIn page and social media profiles. If the company does not have much of an online presence, searching the company name on Google may unearth some useful information. You should be familiar with their products and services, the workplace culture and some of their competitors.

Print a few copies of your resume and cover letter on high quality paper and carry them in a folder. These documents are usually sent via email but do not assume that the interviewer will have a copy nearby during the interview. The extra copies come in handy when the interview is conducted by a panel consisting of multiple people.

Anticipate predictable interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself”. Practice replying to these questions in front of a mirror or with a friend.

Not having any questions

Towards the end of an interview, interviewers usually ask you if you have any questions. “No” is the wrong answer as it shows a lack of interest in the company you hope to work for. Before the interview, think of a few questions you could ask. Ensure that the answers to these questions cannot be found on the company’s website.

Not paying attention

Try and get a good night’s sleep on the eve of the interview. Aim for at least seven hours even if you usually get by on just five. Eat a healthy meal on the day and avoid anything that may cause discomfort. For example, steer clear of milk if you are slightly or moderately lactose intolerant.

Stay focused and pay close attention to everything your interviewer says so you can provide the correct information and avoid asking questions about topics that have already been covered.

Speaking ill of previous employers or colleagues

You may have had a disagreeable boss who would fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. Some colleagues at your current job may be lazy or unprofessional. Keep these negative experiences to yourself as badmouthing people could give the impression that you were the problem and that you may be difficult to work with. Even worse, the interviewer could personally know some of these people and disagree with your scathing attack on them.

If the interviewer asks you about workplace issues and how you handled them, take the opportunity to demonstrate your excellent diplomatic and conflict-resolution skills.

Employers want to know that you are a team player who can handle adversity well.

Not following up

You may think that the hard work is done once the interview ends. You did your best and all that you can do now is wait and hope that the company contacts you with a job offer.

You have one more thing to do.

After the interview, wait a few hours and then send the interviewer a follow-up email. Thank them for the opportunity and for their time. Do not phone or send multiple email messages. You do not want to come across as pushy.

Following up ensures that the interviewer remembers you and maximizes your chances of landing the job.