Being interviewed is a critical aspect of the hiring process. You have already made it past the resume overview and now it is time for you to have what might be the only face-to-face interaction with your potential employer before they decide to hire you or not. It is essential that you put your best foot forward and allow the interviewer to get to know the person they’d be working with. They learned about your accomplishments from your resume; now show them your personality and how you handle yourself in a professional environment.

Here are 43 items to help you through the interviewing process.

18 things to do before an interview:

1. Get a good night sleep the night before. You’ll look better and feel better, allowing yourself to make the best first impression.
2. Do your research. Know the company that you are interviewing with so you can answer their questions well and in the right context. It will also show that you are truly interested in the company.
3. Eat a good breakfast. You’ll be more alert and focused.
4. Prepare questions beforehand. Know the answers to basic questions that they will most likely ask you. Also come up with a few questions about the company or position you are applying for to show that you’re interested.
5. Make a few copies of your resume and put them somewhere where you won’t forget to bring them.
6. Search the web. It is likely someone else has interviewed with the company, so search the web and see what others are saying about it.
7. Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
8. Know who will be interviewing you, and learn a bit about their background.
9. Know your strengths and put together a list of them.
10. Prepare a solid list of references that you can give your interviewer on the spot.
11. Brush your teeth.
12. Put on deodorant.
13. Pre-write your thank you notes so you can drop them off right afterwards.
14. Know how to answer the question, “What will you add to the company by joining it?”
15. Carry a tissue or handkerchief in your pocket to dry your hands in case you are nervous before you go in.
16. Turn off your cell phone.
17. Prepare for the different types of interviews: behavior, experiential, or combination.
18. Have a story from each place you’ve already worked at that exemplifies one of your strengths. For every strength or skill, you should have a story about how you successfully used it. You will make a far better impression if you can back up your dry list of previous employment with interesting stories that show what you gained from each experience.

11 items to do during an interview

1. Answer the question that was asked.
2. Shake the interviewers hand.
3. Let the interviewer show your chair – now is the time to be submissive, so as to not offend the interviewer.
4. Say “Yes,” not “Yeah.”
5. Take a second before answering a question to show you are putting some thought into your answer.
6. Take notes.
7. Let your achievements speak for you.
8. Ask questions, including asking for a full description of the type of work that you will be doing.
9. Keep eye contact.
10. Be yourself.
11. Start with conversation topics that you are comfortable with. This will allow you to direct the interview to a certain degree and present yourself in a positive light.

11 items not to do during an interview

1. Don’t talk too quickly.
2. Don’t digress from your points. Answer questions directly.
3. Don’t use slang.
4. Don’t use words you don’t know the meaning of.
5. Don’t be arrogant.
6. Don’t talk about your personal life.
7. Don’t give the employer any reason to think you will not perform well.
8. Don’t act nervous. You probably will be, but it is best if you take a few seconds and clear your mind; your answers will be less jumbled. If you find yourself getting really nervous, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom to get some air. Don’t take too long but it is better to collect your thoughts than to plow ahead when you can’t focus.
9. Don’t fidget. This might be something you have to practice but it is worth it.
10. Don’t get defensive. The interviewer will be asking technical questions. Everyone has their weak spots and that is okay – work with it and practice for it.
11. Don’t bring coffee. Sipping a drink is a sign of disrespect during an interview.

What to do after the interview

1. Drop off your thank you note. Always, always thank your interviewer after you’ve left. Email them after you drop off your note. The more contact you have, the more you remain in their minds over the other applicants. It shows you’re thoughtful, motivated, and that you care.
2. Create a list of items that you did well and that you would like to improve on.
3. Follow up appropriately. Sometimes the interviewer will tell you when they will notify you; other times it will be your responsibility to make the follow up.

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