Introduction
Interviews are a critical step in the job search process. This is where you get the opportunity to showcase not only your qualifications but also your personality, fit for the company, and enthusiasm for the role. While interviews can be nerve-wracking, the right preparation can significantly boost your confidence and improve your chances of success. In this blog, we’ll explore essential interview do’s and don’ts that every job seeker should keep in mind to make a lasting impression and avoid common pitfall
The Do’s: What You Should Always Do in an Interview
1. Research the Company Thoroughly
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is walking into an interview with little or no knowledge about the company. Employers expect you to know who they are, what they do, and how you can add value to their team.
- Visit the company’s official website.
- Check their social media presence and recent news.
- Understand their products, services, and target audience.
- If possible, research the interviewer or hiring manager.
When you demonstrate knowledge about the organization, it shows that you’re genuinely interested and not just applying randomly. For example, instead of saying, “I want to work in IT,” you could say, “I admire how your company is innovating in cloud solutions, and I’d love to contribute to your upcoming projects.”
2. Dress Professionally and Appropriately
Your appearance creates the first impression even before you speak. Dressing well doesn’t always mean wearing a suit and tie; it means wearing something that aligns with the company culture.
- For corporate jobs: stick to formal or semi-formal attire.
- For startups or creative fields: smart casuals are often acceptable.
- Ensure clothes are neat, ironed, and comfortable.
Remember: being slightly overdressed is always better than being underdressed.
3. Be Punctual—Arrive Early
Time management is a reflection of your professionalism. Aim to arrive at least 10–15 minutes early for an in-person interview. If it’s online, join the meeting 5 minutes before the scheduled time to check your internet connection, microphone, and camera.
Arriving late not only makes you look careless but also creates unnecessary stress that could affect your performance.
4. Practice Common Interview Questions
Preparation is key to confidence. While you can’t predict every question, you can prepare for the most common ones:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why should we hire you?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially for behavioral questions. This approach keeps your responses clear and impactful.
5. Showcase Good Body Language
Non-verbal communication speaks louder than words. Interviewers observe your body language from the moment you enter the room or switch on the video call.
- Sit upright with confidence.
- Maintain eye contact without staring.
- Offer a firm handshake if in person.
- Avoid fidgeting with pens, phones, or your hair.
Positive body language signals confidence and professionalism.
6. Ask Smart Questions
At the end of most interviews, you’ll be asked: “Do you have any questions for us?” This is your chance to show curiosity and engagement. Instead of asking about salary right away, consider:
- “What does a typical day in this role look like?”
- “What are the key challenges your team is currently facing?”
- “How does the company support career growth and development?”
Smart questions show that you’re thinking about how you can contribute to the organization.
7. Follow Up with Gratitude
A short thank-you note or email after the interview can make a big difference. It shows courtesy and reinforces your interest. Keep it brief:
“Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] role today. I enjoyed learning more about your company and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.”
❌ The Don’ts: Mistakes You Must Avoid in Interviews
1. Don’t Badmouth Previous Employers
No matter how difficult your past job was, never speak negatively about your former company or boss. Employers may think you’ll do the same about them in the future. Instead, focus on what you learned from that experience and how it prepared you for this new role.
2. Don’t Arrive Unprepared
Showing up without a copy of your resume, not knowing the job description, or failing to prepare basic answers gives the impression of disinterest. Always:
- Carry multiple copies of your resume.
- Bring a notepad and pen.
- Review the job description carefully before the interview.
3. Don’t Interrupt or Over-Talk
It’s natural to be eager, but interrupting the interviewer can appear disrespectful. Practice active listening. Allow the interviewer to complete their question before responding thoughtfully.
4. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
Honesty is always the best policy. Many candidates exaggerate skills, but employers often test knowledge during the hiring process. Getting caught in a lie damages your credibility and can cost you the job.
Instead of pretending, you could say: “I don’t have hands-on experience with this software, but I’m eager to learn and I’ve already started taking online tutorials.”
5. Don’t Use Your Phone
Checking your phone, even briefly, during an interview is one of the worst mistakes. Keep it silent and out of sight. Your full attention should be on the conversation.
6. Don’t Overdo Confidence
Confidence is key, but arrogance is a dealbreaker. Employers value team players. Avoid statements that sound boastful, like “I’m better than anyone else you’ll interview.” Instead, say, “I believe my skills align well with this role, and I’m confident I can contribute to your team’s success.”
7. Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Silence after an interview can sometimes make employers assume you’re not interested. Skipping the follow-up is a missed opportunity to stand out. A simple thank-you message can leave a lasting positive impression.
Extra Tips for Job Seekers
To go beyond the basics, here are some advanced strategies:
- Prepare real examples of achievements, like saving costs, improving efficiency, or leading projects.
- Handle tricky questions wisely, such as salary expectations. Instead of quoting a fixed number too early, say: “I’m open to a competitive offer based on my skills and the role’s responsibilities.”
- Practice with mock interviews—ask a friend or mentor to help.
- Stay calm under stress—if you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to pause and say, “That’s a good question, let me think for a moment.”
Final Thoughts
Interviews are more than just a question-and-answer session; they’re an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, personality, and potential to become a valuable part of an organization. By following the do’s, you’ll highlight your strengths and professionalism. By avoiding the don’ts, you’ll ensure you don’t sabotage your chances with careless mistakes.
Remember, every interview is a learning experience. Even if you don’t land the job, the practice will make you stronger for the next opportunity.
At Teammates HR Solutions, we help job seekers not only find the right opportunities but also prepare to succeed in interviews. From resume building to interview coaching, our goal is to guide you every step of the way toward your career success.