What and What Not to do in a Job Interview

The economy is slowly inching it's way back up after an economic turmoil two years ago. People are struggling to find a job to prevent further financial loss. Applicants have submitted dozens of their resumes, but to no avail. You are lucky if you get a call back or if you were reinstated. Most people are finding it difficult to put their best foot forward when going for a job interview. Here is a list of what and what not to do during an interview.

1. Be on time- Always be punctual when you are going for an interview. The interviewer doesn't like late-comers since you are not the only applicant vying for the position. You won't get hired if you are not prompt because it shows that you can't manage your own time.

2. Dress to impress- Wear corporate attire when being interviewed. Only wear neutral or light colors. No sparkling diamonds, open-toed shoes, heavy make-up for the ladies. No earrings, jeans, rubber shoes, and heavy perfume for men. Look sharp and decent.

3. Bring extra copies of your resume- Be prepared for the unexpected. You might be interviewed more than once during the day. Employers keep their resumes on file and they would set apart qualified candidates from those who are not.

4. Turn off your cellphones- Never let your cellphone ring during an interview. Points will be deducted from you once your cellphone rings. That means you are not taking the interview seriously.

5. Keep resumes short and simple- A two-page resume is enough to highlight your achievements and work experience. Before you print a copy, be sure to run your spell check and look for grammatical errors. A typographical error can cost your employment and the resume will go straight to the shredder.

6. Refrain from asking what your salary is going to be- Wait for the employer to hire you before you ask about compensations. It would be rude if you are coming on too strong by asking how much you are going to earn per hour.

7. Be courteous to the receptionist.- They are more than just directing phone calls. They are essential in the workplace since they keep track of who's coming in and out of the office. If an applicant is rude, the receptionist will tell their boss about your behavior and they will show you the door.

8. Be confident.- Smile and have a pleasant attitude when being interviewed. Don't give monosyllabic answers and don't be too arrogant either. Tell the employer why you are an asset to the company. Use strong and positive words such as excellent, effective team player, and efficient.

9. Research about the company.- Avoid being dumb by knowing what the company does and what their industry is about especially if the business is not a multi-national company. Learn about their mission and their contribution to the society.

10. Never badmouth your former employers.- If you had a sour experience with your previous employer, don't say anything. Employers would not hire a bad mouther. You can say that you are looking for better opportunities and you want to grow by learning new skills in a symbiotic environment.

With these pointers to keep in mind, you will go places. Expect a call back from the companies you applied for and accept whatever comes your way. At this point, there is no reason to be choosy.