Here are
a list of Do's and Don'ts during an interview.
Do's
•
Be yourself. Do not try to be someone you are not.
•
Answer
each question honestly and truthfully.
•
Answer
questions as clearly as possible, and take your time
to think over your answers. Don't tell the interviewer
what you think he/she wants to hear.
•
Try
to incorporate your goals, qualities, and experiences
into your answers. Do not rush into answering the question.
•
Use
a firm handshake. Avoid using a crushing or weak handshake.
While shaking the interviewer's hand, make eye contact.
•
Make
eye contact throughout the interview, you should focus
your eyes on the interviewer, but do not stare. Maintaining
good eye contact shows that you are attentive, confident,
and respectful.
•
Sit
facing the interviewer. You want to project that you
are alert and attentive. Positioning your body away
from the interviewer may give the interviewer the impression
that you are rude or not interested.
•
Maintain
good posture, but try to be relaxed. Avoid crossing
your arms; this will make you seem defensive. You want
to have an "open" appearance and seem interested
at all times.
•
Smile
and laugh when appropriate.
•
Show
interest in the interviewer's background and organization.
Do some research about the organization, guidelines,
etc.
•
Bring
a portfolio of your work, list of activities, newspaper
clippings, etc. Only bring items that will contribute
to your application and interview.
Don'ts
•
Do not dress casually. Do not show up in jeans, T-shirt,
earrings, fancy jewelry, pagers, etc. Men should wear
a conservative suit and tie. Women should wear a conservative
dress or a pants suit, and avoid using excessive makeup.
•
Do
not arrive late. It is recommended that you show up
ten minutes early. This will give you time to relax.
Arriving late does not give a good impression of you.
•
Do
not talk too much about one particular thing. Answer
the question and move on. Do not go into details unless
asked by the interviewer.
•
Do
not make inappropriate or rude comments. Avoid all of
the following: profanity, jokes, and personal comments
about the interviewer, political or religious comments.
Things of this nature may eliminate you from the list
of eligible applicants.
•
Nervous
habits to avoid: biting your nails, twiddling your thumbs,
playing with a pen or pencil, shaking your leg, tapping
your foot during an interview, etc. These habits and
others may be distracting.
•
Avoid
drifting off while the interviewer is speaking. Pay
attention and listen to every word the interviewer says.
Do not look out the window, at the furniture, or at
the walls. Stay focused!
•
Do
not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking.
•
Words
to avoid: "um," "like," or "you
know", etc. If you need to consciously avoid those
words, take a few moments before you respond and think
about what you are about to say. Always try to provide
a clear answer.
•
Do
not forget to send a Thank You card or letter. Make
sure you thank the interviewer for his/her time and
consideration.
Need Help
There are various resources available to help you prepare
for an interview such as: the Internet that offers an array
of tools and guidelines, numerous books at the library and
bookstore, and your teachers, counselors, and parents.
