Do’s and Do-not’s of the Interviewing

In-Person Interview:

Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important phase(s) of interview.

* Do your research and know the details of job/position you are taking interview for and also the tentative types of candidates you will be encountering.
* Don't memorize or over-rehearse your questions.
* Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism.
* Do greet the candidate with courtesy and respect.
* Don't chew gum during the interview.
* Do greet the interviewee by title (Ms., Mr., Mrs) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do request the interviewee about the pronunciation before trying yourself.
* Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!
* Do offer a chair to candidate before sitting. And do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested and in control at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.
* Don't tell jokes during the interview.
* Do make good eye contact with your interviewee.
* Do show enthusiasm and keep the interview as lively as possible.
* Don't smoke beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do have a breath mint before the interview.
* Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh and "um").
* Don't be very soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.
* Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.
* Don't act as though you would take any candidate or are desperate for having people on board.
* Do avoid controversial topics.
* Do make sure that your good points come across in a factual, sincere manner.
* Don't ask questions with a simple "yes" or "no."
* Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
* Do remember that the interview is also an important time for candidate to evaluate the interviewer and the company (s) he represents, so be very cautious.
* Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.
* Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits. Be prepared for a question about the salary, but do try and delay salary talk until you are sure to make an offer.
* Do close the interview by telling the interviewee about the next step in the process.
* Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details.

Phone Interviewing:

Here are the keys to successful phone interviewing.

* Do know what job you are interviewing for.
* Do ask the candidate if (S) he is comfortable before starting the interview.
* Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of interviewing over the phone.
* When interviewing by phone, do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate.
* If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time.
* Do consider keeping some note-cards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover during the course of the interview. Do also have the resume in front of you so as to frame questions around candidates experience and accomplishments.
* Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.
* Do consider standing when interviewing on the phone. Some experts say you’ll sound more professional than if you’re slouching in an easy chair.
* Do create a strong finish to the phone interview by allowing the interviewee to ask questions.
* Don't snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can’t avoid these behaviours, say “excuse me.”
* Don't chew gum or food, or drink anything noisy.


Happy Interviewing....:-)