Do:
• Arrive on time. Bring extra copies of your resume in case the interviewers do not have them. Create a strong and respectful impression as soon as you arrive in reception. Yes, it is true: receptionists are often asked for their impressions of the candidate.
• Shake hands. Make eye contact. Smile.
• Sit straight, but be natural. Avoid irritating mannerisms, such as cracking your knuckles or drumming your fingers. Demonstrate energy and enthusiasm.
• Call the interviewer Mr., Ms., or Mrs. unless told otherwise. Use the interviewer's name from time to time.
• Be an attentive listener. Nod in agreement. (Resist the temptation to jump in and speak before the interviewer is finished.) Demonstrate active listening by occasionally rephrasing what has been said: "So you're looking for someone with experience in…"
• Be consistent in all of your messages about yourself, including dress. Determine ahead of time the message you want to leave behind. Coordinate the verbal content of your message with your personal presentation to ensure the messages are consistent with your desired impression.
• Read how the interview is going. Watch for signs of boredom or restlessness. Do not be afraid to ask, "Is this what you were interested in hearing?"
• Relax. Think of this as an interesting exchange. If you are nervous, do not worry about it – it will only increase your anxiety and interfere with your ability to understand the questions. Interviewers understand. It is human to be nervous.
Don't:
• Be afraid to take initiative in the interview or to offer more information than you were asked for.
• Worry too much about trick questions. Most interviewers will be interested in hearing about you rather than playing games. Take their questions at face value.
• Raise the subject of compensation. Let the interviewer bring it up. If you are asked about salary expectations, give a general range such as mid-60s, as opposed to $64,000. Or "I'm looking for a competitive salary but it's not my major driver."
• Assume that the interviewer has studied your resume in detail.
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Excerpted from What Next?, copyright 2009 Barbara Moses/DK Publishing. Used by permission of DK Publishing.All Rights Reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.
