Dos and Don'ts for Acing an Interview

Some tips and common pitfalls to consider so you can put your best foot forward

By Pamela Williams, CAE, Executive Director of CTHRA -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/11/2010 12:00:00 AM

You just landed the interview of a lifetime. Now what? Consider these tips and common pitfalls so you can put your best foot forward in hopes of landing the job.

Before the Interview


Start by thoroughly researching the company by visiting its Web site, reading the company's postings on social media sites, reviewing news article about the company and analyzing its financial performance. If you know someone who works for the company, definitely call him! An inside source can provide valuable insight and can put in a good word for you.

Next, prepare a list of tough interview questions such as the infamous "Tell me about yourself," "Why did you leave your last position?" and "Can you explain this gap in your work history?" Develop succinct answers and practice answering them in front of a mirror until your voice, facial expressions and gestures flow naturally. If you have a hard time coming up with tough questions or replies to them, do some research online. A simple search of "tough interview questions" will yield lots of food for thought.

Keep in mind that you may encounter a Behavioral-Based Interview (BBI) which is based on the belief that past behavior predicts future performance. You can prepare for a BBI by crafting responses to questions such as "think back on a situation where..." The interviewer will want you to explain the situation, the actions you took and the outcome in terms of dollars saved, revenue generated and other quantifiable metrics.

Once you've done your homework, consider how to dress and what to bring. No matter what the position, you want to appear professional so opt for business attire. Ensure your outfit is ironed, properly fitted and not flamboyant or distracting. You want the interviewer to remember your skills and capabilities, not that your tie was too loud. Also, plan to take a list of references and several copies of your resume in case you are interviewed by a panel.

The Interview

When the big day arrives, plan for traffic and allot time to park, go through security clearance, and find the exact location of the interview. Never assume you can pull up to the door and bolt straight in. The last thing you want is to start with an apology for being late. Also, be courteous to everyone you meet, not just your interviewer. You never know who is standing next to you in the elevator.

You'll want to greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake as you look her in the eye to show that you are poised and confident. Remember, your goal is to convince the interviewer that you will be a great asset to the company. Focus on your strengths while leaving your ego at the door. Admit to room for growth and a desire to collaborate. Avoid going off on tangents. Ask questions. Make the interview an intelligent two-way engaged conversation, not just a Q&A drill session.

If you're caught off guard, repeat the question to give yourself time to think. Remain calm and composed. It's better to take a moment to collect your thoughts and answer intelligently than to quickly blurt out a reply that you immediately wish you could recant.

On the flip side, you shouldn't leave the interview wishing you had shared something. Even if you're not asked directly about the time you saved a big account or improved profitability by implementing creative cost saving measures, you can create the opportunity to share these experiences by simply finishing a reply to her question with, "Your question made me think of another situation when..."

Interview No No's

There are many easily avoidable ways to land at the bottom of the list of applicants. In addition to showing up late or slovenly dressed, chewing gum, using your cell phone, telling jokes and bad mouthing past employers all send the wrong message. Imagine the horror you'll feel if you criticize your last boss during the interview, only to learn that the interviewer and he play golf together every weekend.

Follow Up

Regardless of how you feel about the interview when you leave, send a thank you within 24 hours. Don't hesitate to use e-mail, as many hiring managers prefer it over snail mail for timeliness in delivery (some company mail rooms are notoriously slow routing external mail) and the ease of storing and sharing it electronically. If you referenced an article you wrote or recently read during the interview, include a link to it. This simple act will exhibit your follow through skills and attention to detail. It will also keep you at the top of the interviewer's mind.

No matter how you dice it, the interview is critical. Take the time to prepare yourself and let your confidence and capabilities shine!