The Actual Interview

An interview is a two-way exchange. You are looking for a job and the employer
is looking for someone to fill a vacancy. Neither of you is doing the other a favour.
Some interviewers have training and experience in interviewing but you may well find
yourself someone who is inexperienced, but still you got to leave a strong impression.

Do's of Interviews

You got to be careful in what you are going to say and do:

  • Present yourself in an unaturally clean and conventionally
       dressed state.

  • Greet the interviewer and anyone else around in the room
       politely.

  • You must be prepared to talk about yourself -your likes
       and dislikes, etc.

  • If your interviewer betrays a lack of training by asking questions
       which could be answered by a simple yes or no, you can take
       the initiative by saying something like 'usually, but...', 'yes, unless...',
       or even 'it depends on what you mean by...'.

  • If given a chance to ask the interviewer a question, produce a
       very intelligent question.

  • You may also ask questions about the firm, its products, customers
       and systems and about the prospects for promotion, travel, etc.

  • If you see any sign of boredom on what you are talking about, conclude
       quickly and give the interviewer a chance to change the subject to one
       that interests him.

  • Even if the employer does most of the talking and bores you, try to show
       that you are interested and attentive.

    Don'ts of Interviews

    There are certain things which you should avoid saying or doing:

  • Do not look bored or unattentive.

  • Avoid critising former employers or colleagues.

  • You may well see computer operators dressed in jeans and
       casual shirts, but if you arrive dressed like that, you will
       immediately lose points with the interviewer.

  • Do not ask about holidays, discount purchases, length of
       lunch breaks, etc.

  • Do not sit down or light up a cigarette without being asked
       and without permission.

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