I've written a list of some tips you should try for interview success. Today, I want to write about some areas to avoid, or don’ts, for interview situations:
- Don't rely on your resume or your application to do the selling for you. Regardless of how qualified you are, you need to convince the interviewer that you're the right person for the job.
- Don't speak softly. Project your voice. A forceful voice says that you are confident in yourself and in your abilities.
- Don't lie. Answer any questions that the interviewer asks truthfully and succinctly.
- Don't over-answer questions. Keep your answers succinct.
- Don't answer "yes" or "no." Give at least a little bit of explanation for every answer.
- Don't answer a question with an extended pause. If you need a little bit of time to formulate an answer to a specific question, get that extra time by repeating the question back to the interviewer.
- Don't answer a cell phone during your interview.
- Don't ask about benefits, such as salary, bonuses, retirement, or vacations until you've received an offer.
- Don't engage in salary talk until you have an offer, if at all possible.
Avoiding these pitfalls can help you land the job you want and put you in a position of strength when it comes time to negotiate salary and benefits.
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