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businessman, communication, creative
businessman, communication, creative
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Interview Do’s and Dont’s

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Shannon Foglia
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Hillary Coombs
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bryant chapter.

Whether it’s for your dream job or for the perfect internship, the dreaded interview is crucial to getting the position you deserve!  Unfortunately, job interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking obstacles between you and your future.  How should you prepare?  Should you be assertive?  What should you wear?  Making the right impression is essential, and we’ll help you do it!  These interview dos and don’ts will make you the number one candidate on every employer’s list.

  • DON’T CHOOSE THE WRONG COMPANY

    • Before your interview, it is important to know what you want.  Assess your passions, values, skills, and goals.  Think about your desire for advancement, professional growth, and your preferred work environment.  Does the company value the same things you do?  

  • DO YOUR RESEARCH

    • If your interviewer asks you what you like about their company, you’re going to want to be prepared!  Having a basic background knowledge about the company will allow you to ask the right questions and make intelligent comments.  Know what you’re getting yourself into!  Learn the company’s mission, purpose, services, and key leaders.  This information can be found on LinkedIn or on company websites.

  • DON’T FORGET YOUR CREDENTIALS

    • Refresh your memory on your past experiences and how they may have prepared you for this position.  Often times, interviewers base many of their questions on your resume.  Be prepared for questions regarding past experiences, but also for general questions about your goals, strengths, and weaknesses.  

  • DO ESTABLISH YOURSELF AS UNIQUE

    • Coming off as confident is much easier said than done!  Employers are looking for genuine, likeable individuals to join their staff.  This confidence can be achieved by establishing eye contact, open body language, posture, a firm handshake, and a strong voice.  Smiling is also important, but be sure you aren’t overdoing it.  

  • DON’T ACCESSORIZE

    • We know it’s tempting, but leave the extra bling behind for your interview!  Your accessories say a lot about you and can be very distracting.  Wear jewelry, makeup, and perfume in moderation.  Try to keep your appearance neat, clean, and as simple as possible.  Click here for more on how to dress for interviews.

  • DO ASK QUESTIONS

    • Interviews can work both ways!  Show the employer your interest by asking any questions you may have.  You could ask about a typical day on the job, the work environment, responsibilities, or anything else (within reason!) you may be curious about.  Don’t ask about vacation time, sick days, benefits, or pay.

  • DON’T SEEM UNGRATEFUL

    • If you want to make a lasting impression on your interviewer, send him/her a thank you card or e-mail.  Make it personal by mentioning something you learned at the interview and how it confirmed that you are the right person for the position.

 

For more information on interviews, visit the Amica Center for Career Education.

 
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Hillary Coombs is a junior at Bryant University studying International Business and Marketing minoring in Chinese and Spanish. She works during the summers at Westminster Tool blogging and updating all social media accounts as well as interning in the International Affairs office. During the fall of 2012, Hillary studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain where she held a marketing internship and perfected her Spanish language. At Bryant, she works in the Office of Planning and Institutional Research gathering crucial university data and presenting it through documents to the President, Deans, and other faculty members of Bryant University. Aside from working and studying Hillary is a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and Omicorn Delta Kappa. Hillary finds peace of mind staying active and running in local 5K races.