Nervous about Your Next Interview? Know the Do’s

Whether you are actively looking for your next career move or not, it pays to know and share the Do’s and Don’ts of job interviews to be prepared just in case.

We have rounded up our best advice from our recruiters to give you a head start.

Interview DO’S 

• Dress appropriately for the industry; rather be conservative to show you take the interview seriously. Your grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.

• Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, where to park, and allow yourself time to find a restroom to freshen up
• Arrive early, preferably 10 to 15 minutes before the interview’s scheduled time, or earlier if the event or employer instructs you to do so.
• Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during hiring decisions.
• Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when your interviewer greets you.
• Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer’s name and the correct pronunciation.
• Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by title (Ms, Mr, Dir.) and last name, until invited to do otherwise.
• Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
• Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.
• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible.
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
• Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.
• Be honest and be your best professional self. Dishonesty gets discovered and is grounds for withdrawing job offers and for firing. You are looking for a good match between yourself and your employer. If you get hired by acting like someone other than yourself, you and your employer will both be unhappy.
• Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the employer and the opportunity presented.
• Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential co-worker. Behave like someone you would want to work with. Be likeable.
• Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having done your research about the employer in advance, ask specific questions that were not answered in your research.
• Evaluate the interviewer and the organisation she/he represents. An interview is a two-way street. Conduct yourself cordially and respectfully, while thinking critically about the way you are treated and the values and priorities of the organisation.
• Make sure you understand the employer’s next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are expected to take next if any.
• When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.
• After the interview, make notes right away, so you don’t forget critical details.
• Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly.

Continue with our interview Don’st

All the best for your next interview!

Professional Sourcing is a top-tier South African-based recruitment agency operating internationally, IPM accredited, LEVEL 2 BEE RATED and 51% Black Owned.