Dos

• Arrive 15 minutes early. Being late to an interview is never excusable.
• Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer’s questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills and background to the position requirements of the position throughout the interview.
• Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
• Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
• Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
• Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer’s words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
• Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.
• Be professional. Smile, make eye contact and maintain good posture. These are simple but important things that are easy to forget to do during an interview.

Don’ts

• Don’t answer vague questions. Ask the interviewer to clarify the question.
• Don’t interrupt the interviewer. If you don’t listen, the interviewer won’t either.
• Don’t be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is.
• Don’t ramble. Overlong answers may make you sound apologetic or indecisive.
• Don’t lie. Answer questions truthfully.
• Don’t express resentment. Avoid derogatory remarks about present or former employers.
• Don’t wear heavy perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not share your tastes.
• Don’t chew gum