Interview Do's & Don'ts

Do be alert but comfortable. Use animation with hands, eyes, and head. Lean forward slightly in your chair while listening and maintaining a healthy share of eye contact. 

Don't be a statue; your body should have a general attitude of "attentive interest".

Do smile and laugh when appropriate. Keep in mind that smiling people are seen as individuals who are human and who have confidence in themselves.

Do treat everyone in the company with the same level of courtesy. One fellow snubbed a "technician" who was cleaning glassware. Later in the day, he found himself interviewing with that "tech", the company founder and director of research.

Do walk into the interview with a confident, upright posture. Shake hands firmly with all who offer, giving your name first.

Don't joke. Telling a joke during an interview, no matter how hilarious it might be, is rarely in good taste.

Don't speak in monotones. Try to vary the tone and volume of your voice during the interview.

Do provide prompt feedback to the recruiter or human resources person who sets up the visit. Remember that the person who put the interview together is involved throughout the entire process.

Do get the names, with proper spellings, of all the people you interview with over the course of the day. Better yet, get their business cards so you properly address thank you letters to be sent after the interview.

Do avoid controversy.

Don't ever say anything negative about a previous employer or former colleague.

Don't hide facts. If you have some sort of skeleton in your closet, get the answers to concerned questions sorted out in advance. Resumes have some sort of glitch to be probed, for example, the graduate degree that took eight years to complete or the job change after 11 months.

Don't be overly concerned with details, such as how many weeks vacation you will get, when the personnel department starts to rattle off the company benefits. You can get the specific answers to these questions when an offer is made.

Do ask appropriate questions about the job responsibilities

Don't show too much concern about money or raise salary questions early in the interview process.