What to Do at a Job Interview

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

• Have Good Manners
  It is always a good idea to use good manners in the workplace. Be courteous to the people you meet at the prospective company. You never know who you may be talking to, it might be your future boss!
• Don't Be Late
  This tip also falls under the umbrella of courtesy, but punctuality is vital, so it was put on this list by itself. Please don't be late, be 15 or 20 minutes early, the interviewer may want to start a little earlier, and it demonstrates responsibility.
• Don't Talk or Text
  Don't answer calls or texts during the interview; it is rude. Don't fumble with your phone, set it to silent. Please leave it in your pocket or purse and concentrate on the conversation.
• Do Your Research
  Research the company, the position, and the people within the company. They may ask you questions about these topics, and you want to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable about them.
• Show Interest
  Maintain a positive attitude, pay attention to the conversation, show interest and enthusiasm for the company, the position, and the people who work there. We hope that you are genuinely enthusiastic, getting a new job should be an exciting experience. Answer the questions truthfully with a positive, upbeat spin. Even for uncomfortable questions being positive can help to minimize the negatives. We have some sample questions you can review to familiarize yourself with what you may encounter.
• Be Truthful
  Not being truthful right from the start seems like the wrong way to start a new job. Anything you say or put on your resume may come back to hurt you later if thy uncover your untruths. It displays your lack of character, and they can let you go for lying. It can be difficult to explain away the reason you were let go to your next employer, but it is something you will need to do to move forward. Please read our article about how to interview after getting fired for some strategies to handle this situation.
• Professional Personal Appearance
  Dress appropriately as your industry dictates, your appearance will be taken into consideration by the interviewer as a component of your professionalism. Tattoos are taboo in some companies attempt to cover them up. If the tattoos are on your arms, wear a long sleeve shirt as one solution.
• Confident Body Language
  Exhibit proper body language, sit up straight, make eye contact with the interviewer when they are speaking to you and you to them. Don't slouch or cross your arms. Don't tap your foot, bounce your knee, or twirl your hair.
  
  You may be nervous, but you don't need to let the employer know that. Don't chew gum, or bring food or beverages. Consider taking a restroom break beforehand so you can feel more relaxed and comfortable.
• Speak Positively About a Previous Job or Boss
  When they ask you about a previous job, your bosses or companies speak well of them. Even if you are unhappy with them, maintain a positive attitude, don't project negativity. Companies don't want negative people whom they feel may cause dissension in the ranks.
• Don't Ask About Salary and Benefits
  Ask you questions about salary and benefits after they offer you the position. If the interviewer mentions this subject and you feel it is appropriate, you may be able to discuss it, but use caution.
• Social Media Profiles
  Social media can be a useful job search tool if used correctly. Ensure you have no inappropriate pictures, friends, or content. Clean up your profiles if you do. Employers are now checking an applicant's social media pages to judge their character. Check our guide on social media and your resume for more information about using these platforms as business tools.
• Bad Credit
  In some situations, employers will order a copy of your credit report, with your permission, as an additional tool to see how you conduct yourself in your personal and financial life. To find out about this newer practice and what you can do about it, explore this article: “Can Bad Credit Hurt Your Job Search?”