Interview Do’s and Don’ts

Post-grad summer is coming to an end. We all know what that means. If you haven’t started already, it’s time for the job hunt. Fighting the slew of other applicants during this time can feel like swimming upstream, a never-ending battle with no sign of success. Feeling like you might start considering an unpaid internship? Don’t give up hope quite yet. Grizzly Sales Force is here to set you on the right track so that the next interview is the last interview. Follow these do’s and don’ts and watch how fast you nail that job.

  • Do dress your best. Nothing turns an interviewer off faster than an overly casual candidate.
  • Do arrive at least 10 minutes early, you’re not a burden.
  • Don’t overthink. You’ll put yourself at risk of sounding rehearsed.
  • Don’t seem distracted or disinterested. This may seem obvious, but sometimes anxiety and nerves can come off as disinterest- be careful.
  • Do your research and be prepared to talk specifics.
  • Do make small talk. An interview is about more than just the resume facts, they are looking for a fit for the company culture.
  • Do come prepared with a question. Almost every interview ends with “do you have any questions for me?” A prepared question shows a vested interest in the position and the company.
  • Don’t name drop. If you happen to know someone at the company, wait for it to come up naturally in conversation- chances are the interviewer already knows. For many, it comes off as tacky for a candidate to walk into the room and immediately and unnaturally mention someone who happens to work there.
  • Don’t trash talk your previous company. It is common for interviewers to ask a candidate what they did/didn’t like about their previous job. Of course, be honest, but there is a way to do that without being bitter or disrespectful. Instead of “my boss was a jerk,” maybe go for “there wasn’t strong communication between leadership and the rest of the team.”
  • Don’t people please. Trust us, we get it. When you want the job bad enough, you will say almost anything in an interview. However, the transition into the company will be much easier if you are honest about exactly who you are, and what you want out of a job. If the interviewer asks you if you know how to use photoshop, don’t say yes just to snag the job. Next thing you know, you’re sole task in the company is photoshop, now what? Be respectful, flexible, positive, but honest.

You’re all set! You’ve got everything you need to impress that interviewee in a matter of 15 minutes. From all of us here at Grizzly Sales Force, we wish you the best of luck.

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