The dos and don’ts of successful job interviewing

All of us have had a job interview in our lives – and most of us feel a little nervous before them. There are plenty of things you can do to prepare for an interview – from prepping your answers to common interview questions to researching the company you’re applying to.

However, many struggle with the basics of interviewing, and it can be hard to find clear and easy-to-follow job interview advice. That’s why we put together this list of job interview dos and don’ts to help.

The dos

• Arrive early. Plan to be there ahead of time – around 30 minutes early. Then, either wait in your car or in a nearby coffee shop until about 10 to 15 minutes before the interview time.
• Represent yourself authentically. Be your true self and highlight the qualities that set you apart.
• Be excited! Show your enthusiasm for the role, the company, and your own potential contribution.
• Know what makes you different. You bring unique skills and experiences to the table, so be sure you know how your experience is relevant to the job and the organization.
• Stay honest. It’s important to know what your weaknesses are and to be honest during the interview, but always provide a solution as well. For example: “I sometimes struggle with public speaking, but that’s why I make sure to practice before presentations.”
• Ask questions. Remember, interviews are a two-way street. Asking well-informed questions shows interest and initiative.
• Highlight your wins. Use this opportunity to showcase your achievements. Discuss moments when you took on new responsibilities, solved problems, or led a team to success.
• Speak positively about previous jobs. If asked why you left past roles, focus on wanting a new challenge, greater responsibility, or a different career path.

The don’ts:

• Don’t be late. Punctuality matters, so leave plenty of time in case there’s unexpected traffic or a delayed bus. You can always wait in a nearby coffee shop and do some last-minute interview prep.
• Don’t speak negatively about past roles. Criticizing former employers or jobs can reflect poorly on you. If you were fired or laid off, be honest but highlight what you learned from the experience.
• Don’t overlook your appearance. Dress appropriately for the work environment and make sure you look neat and professional.
• Don’t give one-word answers. While short, clear responses are appreciated, make sure to back them up with examples and background on your experience.
• Don’t exaggerate your experiences. Never lie about your skills or background. It’s easy for a hiring manager to double check with your past employers.
• Don’t forget to say thank you. End the interview with a thank-you and be sure to follow up the next day.

If you still need job interview advice or have questions about the application process, check out our other resources for job seekers.

Or if you're ready to take the plunge, explore our current job openings today!