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Everything that SHOULDN’T be done in an interview
(Alles, Martha Alicia. Myths and truths of the work search, Granica Editions, Buenos Aires, 1997)
An assistant to one of the conferences about the topic asked once:
“Why don’t you tell us what should be done?”
And, from his perspectives, he is right. Maybe the reader expects to be told what to do, as if it were a cake recipe. And it is not that simple. Therefore, in an interview you should be the way you are.
In this book, we try to give ideas, to help a person to improve certain aspects in order to achieve an objective: Getting “the” job, not a job or any job.
A useful way of getting to “what should be done”, and make it authentic, “your” way of doing it right, its this. Giving ideas of which are the expected or correct answers to the question and telling you what things are not well seen in an interview. On contrario sensu, you will be able to define how to behave in an interview.
Let’s see the Don’ts:
Arriving too early or a minute late. Sitting on the edge of the chair. Sitting in an incorrect position in the waiting room.
Smoking, if you are not sure it is allowed. If you want to smoke anyway, ask if it is possible. Chewing gum, candies or any other thing. Looking around in an indiscrete way or spying papers on the desk. Looking somewhere else or avoiding their eyes. Not looking at your interlocutor in the eyes. Getting involved in any kind of discussion. Talking about politics or religion. Making references of any type about women, if the interviewer is, in fact, a woman (in favor or against). Having a prepared written interview and try to read it during the interview. Treating the interviewer in a familiar way, unless he/she does it first. Making too many hand gestures. Saying that it’s the only interview you could get so far or that this is the first place from where you have been called. Talking other people down, the receptionist or the secretary. Or former bosses or employers. And, of course, other advisors. Giving an incorrect image, showing yourself as superman (or wonder woman) or showing doubts about yourself. Saying that you don’t need to work to live. Saying that you would accept anything, any job, any salary. Talking about personal problems, even if you are going through a bad moment. Transmitting your afflictions. Asking the interviewer about personal topics. Answering with monosyllables or making monologues. Lying. Confusing the kindness of the interviewer with something else. Thinking that they are your friend. Being too confident.
In synthesis and for those who want to know what should be done, we will tell you the key points of the interview. Therefore, don’t forget to keep in mind!
Key points in the interview
Prepare yourself. Dress properly. Be punctual. Be optimistic, transmit a positive attitude. Respect the interviewer. Center the focus of the conversation on the work aspect. Always tell the truth. Don’t overvalue or undervalue yourself.
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