The Top 10 Things You Should Never Do in an Interview: Part 2

Practical Tips When You're in an Interview

Copyright 2004-2010 G. A. Puleo

In the second part of this two-part series on ten job interview don'ts, here are some practical tips on how to act and think when you're actually in the interview. 

#6 - NEVER forget to bring copies of your resume.

Despite the best intentions, some hiring managers or recruiters can easily misplace your entire resume or just some parts of it.  Be prepared by bringing additional copies of your resume as well as your reference list printed on good quality cotton-based paper. 

Don't be afraid to refer to your own copy of your resume during the interview.  Refer the employer to specific areas that will lead to more detailed discussions about your qualifications and ability to complete the tasks and duties of the position. 

#7 - NEVER forget to ask questions.

As discussed in tip #5 in the first part of this two-part series, the interview is not a one-way inquisition.  The purpose of a job interview is for both the employer and the job candidate to determine if there is a good fit between the job's duties and responsibilities and the prospect's knowledge, skills and abilities. 

Don't wait until the end of the interview -- or, even worse, for the permission of the employer -- before you ask questions about the job, work environment and organization.  Prepare for the interview by developing a list of questions about these areas -- and don't forget to inquire about advancement opportunities and managerial style.  It is imperative to get these answers before you accept any job offer to avoid quickly realizing that the person-job fit just isn't there. 

#8 - NEVER forget to take notes.

It is NOT rude to take notes on information that the employer or recruiter provides during the job interview.  No matter how many interviews you've had, there is usually an adrenaline rush experienced during an interview.  This adrenaline can lead to forgetfulness.  An old adage says that the faintest ink is better than the brightest memory -- so, write these key points down and refer to them during the interview. 

Taking notes on the employer's comments or answers to your questions shows that you are interested and conscientious.  Don't rely on your memory.  Just be cautious that your note taking does not overshadow the more important purpose of the interview:  to learn more about the job and the company. 

#9 - NEVER talk yourself out of a job.

Nervousness leads to rambling and rambling answers can create red flags for the employer.  Be an active participant in the interview process by responding conscisely and asking relevant questions.  While a sense of humor can be a good thing, just be sure that it is not potentially offensive -- when in doubt, don't. 

Don't forget that, even though you may no longer be working for your current or most recent employer, avoid any derogatory remarks about your experiences.  For example, if you truly disliked your previous manager, instead of saying "I hated her," instead say that there was "a difference in management style."  Being politically correct in this case is a wise option -- you never know if the employer personally knows someone with whom you used to work. 

#10 - NEVER ignore your intuition.

In the fourth interviewing don't mention in part one of this series, you learned that managers will be watching your body language for clues about your personality.  Do the same thing to them by watching for potential disconnects between their actions and their words. 

When you have a gut feeling that something is wrong with the information being given by the employer, trust your instincts.  Intuition results from a combination of your past experiences and your current observations.  That uneasy feeling will probably continue to haunt should you accept their job offer. 

Remember:  People are NOT born great interviewers -- interviewing is a skill that is honed through preparation and practice.  To find out more about interviewing don'ts, please read the first part of this series. 

Click here to learn how to master behavioral interviews in "Tell me about a time...": Behavioral Interviewing Strategies -- our 1-hour webinar to prepare for this challenging interview.