Job Interview
Your fabulous resume or networking contact just landed you a job interview—now what? The interview is your opportunity to shine and show the employer your true potential. The most important thing is to be prepared—because if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail!
Interview Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Research the company
- Dress appropriately. The general rule is to dress one notch up from what people in the company would normally wear. Remember, if in doubt, change!
- Pay close attention to your body language in the interview. Try not to fidget, Keep good eye contact and listen to the interviewer’s questions!
- Remember to answer questions positively! When answering the “What is your greatest weakness?” question, remember to tell the interviewer about a weakness that you are working to improve.
- Follow up. Send a thank you letter 24 hours after the interview expressing your interest.
Don’ts
- Don’t make negative comments about previous employers or work experiences.
- Don’t treat the interview casually as if you are just using the interview for practice. This is an insult to the employer and a waste of everyone’s time.
- Don’t appear desperate to take any job.
- Don’t go into the interview unprepared and without any examples of your experiences.
- Don’t ask about salary and benefits in the first interview or until the subject is brought up by the employer.
Free Services
Visit a YWCA employment centre for:
- Interview skills workshops
- Tips on how to nail the job interview
- One-to-one mock interviews (exclusive to some centres; by appointment only)
Coming Soon
- A list of typical job interview questions
- Employer pet peeves and more
Good luck! Remember to be positive, smile and make a great first impression!
