Interview DOs

• Dress appropriately for the industry; err on the side of being conservative to show you take the interview seriously. Your personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.

• Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc.

• Arrive early; 10 minutes prior to the interview start time [or earlier if the event or employer instructs you to do so].

• Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during hiring decisions.

• Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer.

• Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer's name and the correct pronunciation.

• Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name, until invited to do otherwise.

• Maintain good eye contact during the interview.

• Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.

• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible.

• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. 

• Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.

• Be honest and be yourself — your best professional self.  Dishonesty gets discovered and is grounds for withdrawing job offers and for firing. You want a good match between yourself and your employer. If you get hired by acting like someone other than yourself, you and your employer will both be unhappy.

• Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the employer and the opportunity presented.

• Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential co-worker. Behave like someone you would want to work with.

• Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having done your research about the employer in advance, ask questions which you did not find answered in your research.

• Evaluate the interviewer and the organization s/he represents. An interview is a two-way street. Conduct yourself cordially and respectfully, while thinking critically about the way you are treated and the values and priorities of the organization.

• Do expect to be treated appropriately. If you believe you were treated inappropriately or asked questions that were inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, discuss this with a Career Services advisor or the director.

• Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are expected to take next, if any.

• When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.

• After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget critical details.

• Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly.