Having a Positive Presence Counts! 6 Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts
Share
We’ve all had to endure the “dreaded” interview. Have you ever left the interview thinking, “Did I do this right? Did I say that wrong? How did I look?” I’m sure you have, along with many other thoughts that flood our brains after an interview.



This is when having a positive presence counts! Your credentials are, of course, important—but a first impression with impact speaks volumes. You never know exactly what an interviewer is looking for; so let your brand, etiquette, and skills stand out.



Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind the next time you have an interview opportunity. Remember these tips, be confident, focus on your interview, and you’ll know if you did this or that right.



Do’s


1. Do research
- Never “wing-it!” Know the brand of the company. With the internet at your fingertips, use online resources to your advantage. Learn, in advance, all you can about the company, the business, the culture, and the position. Use sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Glassdoor to increase your knowledge. Impress them with what you know.



2. Say thank you- Send a short handwritten thank-you note. It shows your brand attributes of being pro-active, engaging, and relationship building.



3. Ask questions- This is another opportunity to sell yourself. Asking questions about the company or industry shows that you’ve put effort in preparing for the interview. They’ll appreciate your genuine interest.



4. Brag-without bragging- Stress your achievements. They are part of who you are-YOUR BRAND. Don’t share negative information about yourself. Be proud of your accomplishments and relate them to ways you can make a difference in the organization. If you are asked about your weaknesses — turn this to the positive. Say something like, ” One of my LIABILITIES I’ve recognized is that I tend to hold back my opinions. What I’ve learned is to value my knowledge and expertise —which allows me to have more self-confidence in speaking up.”



5. Listen!- Be aware of your body language. Smile and nod occasionally to show you’re engaged and interested.



6. Be courteous- to the receptionist, administrative assistant, anyone. You never know who may work directly with the interviewer. They may say something about your demeanor before the interview even starts. Your first impression counts when you first walk in the door.



Don’ts


1. Don’t answer calls or texts
- Believe it or not, people do it — during the interview! Turn off or silence your phone. You have an opportunity to shine during the interview; don’t dull it by derailing your brand.



2. Salary requirements- Don’t discuss salary or vacation time. Save this for AFTER an offer is made. You don’t want to imply that your interest is based solely on salary and benefits.



3. Don’t rely on your resume- We’re so digital these days. Bring several copies of your resume but remember your online presence is critical too. An interviewer will likely Google you before or during your interview. No matter what is on your resume, you will have to sell YOU — on or off paper.



4. Don’t ever lie- It’s true that it’s hard to land a job, but it will be a huge mistake to lie about your credentials. Be authentic and answer questions concisely with confidence.



5. Don’t arrive late and/or look unkempt-Give yourself ample time to dress and arrive early. Beforehand, make sure you know the exact location, more than one way to get there, and the building or suite where the interview is located. Clothing, hair, and accessories should be professional. Avoid chewing gum, smelling like smoke, being overly perfumed/cologned, and showing up late. These are all ingredients what will create a bad impression.



6. Don’t forget a pen- Take notes so that you can remember crucial information. Your preparedness will help you stand out!