14 Crucial Job Interview Dos And Don'ts

If you’ve reached the interview stage, there is a lot of information which you need to remember in order to perform well during the process. 

In our latest blog, we delve into 7 of the biggest ‘do’s’ but more importantly 7 of the biggest ‘don’ts’ which you need to remember.  

Do’s

Listen to the questions carefully

Strong listening skills are important to employers so be sure to demonstrate you have this quality in your interview. Giving an answer to a different question is a big no no. 

Be box clever

If a hiring manager asks you what your biggest weakness is, you need to be clever with your answer. For example, instead of saying ‘my biggest weakness is X’ you could say ‘my biggest weakness is X but I have been taking steps to improve my skills in this area by doing Y.’

Turn your phone on silent 

No matter how well an interview is going, an unexpected phone call midway through the interview won’t impress anyone. Turn your phone off or on silent (not on vibrate) before you enter the interview room. 

Look interested

If you look disinterested in the role or company, the hiring manager could take this as a sign that your heart isn’t really in it. If it comes down to just you and another applicant, they could go with the other applicant based on their perception of your passion.  

Give a firm handshake 

Upon entering the interview room, be sure to greet everyone in the room with a smile and a firm handshake. A limp or clammy handshake won't impress anyone. 

Salary research 

Although we wouldn’t advise discussing salaries during the interview (unless the hiring manager raises it) it would be wise to research beforehand to understand what your skills and experience are valued at in your part of the UK. This will help to avoid you being caught off guard during the interview or agreeing to a lower salary than what you are worth.  

Practice a mock interview 

By performing a mock interview with a friend or family member beforehand, it will help you to feel more familiar with the format and how you will answer certain questions. 

Don’ts

Lie or bend the truth

It’s much better to be honest in your interview than to get caught out further down the line. Even a white lie will cast doubt over your integrity. 

Interrupt the interviewer 

Interrupting the interviewer will come across as rude and potentially discourage them from hiring you.

Badmouth previous employers

You never know who knows who within your industry and badmouthing a previous employer might make the interviewer think you are capable of doing the same to them. 

Fidget or slouch  

Sit upright in your chair and keep a good posture throughout the interview. Slouching could make it appear like you are uninterested in being there. 

Ask about salary and benefits 

Unless the hiring manager asks your salary expectations or mentions perks, it would be wise to wait until you have received an offer of employment to discuss terms. By discussing money, the interview has the potential to go off track very quickly. 

Share irrelevant personal information

Unless it is directly relevant to the position, you don’t need to share personal information about your life with the hiring manager. 

Give yes or no answers 

The hiring manager will likely ask you an open ended question and be looking for some depth in your answers. If you are unsure of what the hiring manager is asking you, ask them to elaborate on what they mean.