How to Ace Your Interview: Essential Tips (Do’s) and Mistakes (Don’ts) to Avoid

Interviews are the most common techniques that the organizations use to analyze their potential candidates. A lot of people attempt to go through the interview process believing that they are the best fit for the job role and the entire organization. However, in many cases the interviewee cannot perform as expected in the interview and they get rejected. In some cases, even if the interviewee may have a great potential they may be still be rejected. Therefore, in this article we shall go through the Do’s and Don’ts for the interview session.

First we shall look into the Do’s and then the Don’ts

Do’s in an Interview Session

1. Research the Company and the Role: Before the interview, research the company and the role you are applying for. This will help you understand the organization's mission, values, and goals and tailor your responses accordingly.
2. Dress Appropriately: Dress in professional attire, regardless of the company's dress code. It shows that you take the interview seriously and respect the organization.
3. Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the interview location 10-15 minutes early to give yourself time to collect your thoughts and prepare mentally.
4. Bring Copies of Your CV/Resume and any Other Relevant Documents: It's always a good idea to bring copies of your resume and any other relevant documents, such as reference letters or work samples, in case the interviewer asks for them.
5. Be Polite and Professional: Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly and professionally.
6. Listen Actively: Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification.
7. Answer Questions Honestly and Confidently: Answer questions truthfully, but try to frame your responses in a way that highlights your skills and experience.
8. Use Specific Examples: Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills and accomplishments.
9. Ask Questions: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the role. It shows your interest in the position and your willingness to learn.
10. Thank the Interviewer: After the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. Follow up with a thank-you email or note.

Now, the Don’ts

Don't be late

1. Being late for the interview sends a message that you are unreliable and disorganized.
2. Don't use Your Phone: Avoid using your phone during the interview, including texting, browsing the internet, or taking calls.
3. Don't Badmouth Former Employers: Avoid talking negatively about former employers or colleagues. It's unprofessional and can raise red flags.
4. Don't Lie or Exaggerate: Don't exaggerate your skills or experience, or lie about anything on your resume or application. It will eventually catch up to you.
5. Don't Interrupt the Interviewer: Let the interviewer finish their questions before responding. Interrupting them can come across as rude or disrespectful.
6. Don't Dominate the Conversation: Answer the interviewer's questions fully but avoid dominating the conversation. It's important to listen actively and engage in a dialogue.
7. Don't be too informal: Even if the company has a casual culture, it's important to maintain a professional demeanor during the interview.
8. Don't Ask about Salary too early: Avoid asking about salary or benefits until later in the interview process. Focusing on compensation too early can make you seem more interested in money than the job.
9. Don't be Unprepared: Failing to research the company or role can signal to the interviewer that you are not serious about the job.
10. Don't be too Negative: Avoid being too negative or critical during the interview. It's important to be honest but also maintain a positive attitude.