- Answer vague questions. Rather than answering questions you think you hear, get the employer to be more specific and then respond.
- Never interrupt the employer. If you don’t have time to listen, neither does the employer.
- Don’t smoke, chew gum or place anything on the employer’s desk.
- Don’t be overly familiar, even if the employer is doing all of these things.
- Don’t wear heavy perfume or cologne.
- Don’t ramble. Long answers often make the speaker sound apologetic or indecisive.
- On the other hand, don’t answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no”. Explain wherever possible.
- Do not fiddle and fidget around.
- Don’t keep running your hands through your hair – let the interviewer see your face.
- Don’t hesitate when asked “Tea or Coffee”. Be positive – “Coffee please, white, one sugar” or whatever.
- Avoid telling them about any problems – you have none! Be positive. Try to find out their problems and then you can tell them how your experience can help them.
If the interview is running late or is constantly interrupted with ‘phone calls’, offer to come back at a more convenient time – you must make sure that you get a fair hearing.
