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Job Interview - Don't!

Winning at the job interview

DON'T

  • Don't limit the time you have for the job interview. You should be prepared if the interviewer asks you to stay and start the job immediately. For example, if you have children, leave them with a babysitter. If you have a ride waiting, ask the person to stay in the car. If you have someone along for moral support, leave them at the entrance to the building where you are being interviewed.
  • Don't be late. Arrive a few minutes early because being late may be viewed as an indication of your bad work habits. Many employers eliminate applicants because they arrive late for an interview.
  • Don't whine.
  • Don't talk about being jobless.
  • Don't dump on your former employer.
  • Don't smoke. Even if it is offered. Some employers like to use this as a test.
  • Don't bring everything to the interview! Bring only the paperwork needed to support you during this first interview, unless of course, you were asked to provide additional material.
  • Don't carry a water bottle or coffee mug.
  • Don't smile too much. It may look like you are not taking the interview seriously. Show your friendly face.
  • Don't wear caps, bandannas, athletic shoes, sweats or unkempt clothes. Dress professionally.
  • Don't be a name-dropper. What happens if the name that you drop is a person not admired by the interviewer? In fact, if the person whose name you are using to 'influence' the interviewer is disliked by the interviewer for some reason, you may lose the job.
  • Don't tell jokes or comment on people in the office. You don't know the interviewer's background or social, religious or political beliefs and you could easily cause some very uncomfortable feelings by making off-colour jokes or comments as an attempt to break the ice. Keep to safe topics, such as the weather or sports.
  • Don't use negative body language. Crossing your arms or legs, glancing around the room or sliding down in the chair tells the interviewer that you are not interested in the subject - the job. This may result in the interviewer losing interest in you.
  • Don't break the silence. The silent treatment is used by some interviewers to draw out information without actually asking any questions. In many cases, this technique is used when the interviewer is collecting negative information. It is advisable to answer a question to the best of your ability and then stop talking and leave it up to the interviewer to continue.
  • Don't ask questions that are not directly relevant to the job for which you are applying. Questions such as the colour of paint in the office, the length of the coffee breaks and the size of the workstation should not be asked during the first interview. These kinds of questions may indicate to the interviewer that you are more concerned with the 'benefits' of the job rather than actually working for the company.
  • Don't be nervous. This is easy to say, but sometimes difficult to achieve. Don't worry if you do get nervous, everyone gets nervous sometimes - even the interviewer. A good interviewer will understand it and will put you at ease.

Check also the job interview dos.

Don't ask questions about salary or benefits unless the interviewer broaches the subject first

Do not volunteer information that the interviewer doesn't ask for and maintain eye contact while talking with someone

Other Job Interviews Don't Info

Hopefully, you received an invitation to a job interview. So, now you need:

Follow up your job interview with a thank you letter. Employers regard this as an indication of your strong interest in the position.

We strongly believe that if you followed all steps in finding jobs to this step, you will pass the job interview and get the job you wanted. Now you need to know How to Keep Your Job!

In addition, on job search, cover letter, CV & resume, job interviews and dress codes pages, you will find very useful tips for many different countries.

Good luck with the job interview don't.