Improve Your Interviewing Skills:

Interviewing Do's and Don'ts:

DO ask your Coordinator any questions you have about the interview. The time to resolve questions about an opportunity is before the actual interview
DON'T rely totally on your resume, application or coordinator to do your selling for you. Speak for yourself. Sell as you tell!
DO be on time for the interview. You should plan ahead to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled appointment time. If the interview is a few days away, plan a dry-run to determine where the company is and how long it will take you to get there.
DON'T forget about the person who first greeted you at the company. Many interviewers ask this person what time the candidate arrived, how they acted in the lobby, and for their recommendation.
DO make sure your attire is appropriate for the interview. Being dressed too casually or over-dressed can destroy a great opportunity. Ask your coordinator for a personal evaluation of your interviewing attire. The rule of thumb is to wear a business suit unless your Coordinator tells you differently.
DON'T slouch in your chair, play with your hands, look at the floor, tap your feet, chew gum, smoke, wear sun glasses, put your elbows on the interviewer's desk or do any other non-verbal irritants during the interview.
DO be prepared for the interview. Your coordinator has done his/her part. Now it's up to you. You are now the salesperson and the product is YOU! The company has a need, or they wouldn't be interviewing, so sell your qualities to satisfy their need. Be prepared to answer questions ranging from work and educational history to your personal interests, plans, and hobbies.
DON'T be nervous on the interview. Remember, you are interviewing the company/position/employer/supervisor also. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member to sharpen your interviewing skills.
DO show interest in the company, its business and the position. Ask questions! Your actions, reactions, movements, enthusiasm and mannerisms during the interview can give you the edge in many cases. Approach each interview with genuine interest. You can always turn down an offer.
DON'T assume that you are the only candidate being interviewed. It is a competitive world and you must make a good first impression to be noticed.
DO make yourself clear! If an interviewer does not seem clear about a particular question, make sure you resolve the question and ask them to please to elaborate on the subject. The interviewer's time is often hectic and you must make sure that they have a firm understanding of your abilities.
DON'T skip from point to point. Telling unrelated stories or wandering away from the subject can blow the interview.
DO show self confidence, maturity, sense of humor, warmth, and above all enthusiasm. Look the interviewer in the eye. Be yourself!
DON'T reply to questions too quickly without first thinking them through. Answer opinion, attitude, and intangible questions carefully. Take a few seconds to organize your thoughts before answering.
DO ask for the job! Most candidates do not feel it necessary to ask for the position and as a result, many employers hire the person who asked for the job when other factors are equal. At the end of the interview, sum up your qualities and reiterate how they would profit the company.
DON'T ask questions about sick leave, pension, vacations, etc. on the first interview. Talk opportunity not security.
DO thank the interviewer for their time before you leave. Follow up with a Thank-you note. If the interviewer asks for additional information, make sure you get it to them promptly.
DON'T make derogatory remarks about previous employers. This is totally unprofessional and a complete turn-off for interviewers.
DO contact your Staffing Coordinator immediately after the interview. Staying in close communication assures every consideration in the job market.
DON'T ask for an unrealistic salary. A better reply to the salary question is "open to discussion." Your Staffing Coordinator will have given you the salary ranges for the position. Don't blow it by asking for a higher salary.