March 25, 2016    |    By

You did it! You’ve made it this far! You got the interview. Your resume was impressive enough to get you in the door but what do you do to prepare for the interview? Even if you have had many interivews and are changing careers, you need to refresh your interview skills to make sure to stay sharp and on top of your game. Landing the best job for you is your goal so make sure you have the skills to land it. Most people have a good idea of what to do in an interview that we thought it would be fun to give a few ideas of what not to do in an interview.

1. Do Not Chew Gum

This may seem like a no brainer but when you’re stressed you may just pop in a piece of gum to freshen your breath and forget to spit it out. No one wants to smell bad breath but no one and I mean no one likes the sound of someone chewing gum either.

2. Don’t Under Dress But Don’t Over Dress Either

Wondering what to wear to an interview? First, know the type of job you are interviewing for. Second, research the company a bit and figure out what their dress code is and match it. You should be researching the business you are applying to anyway. You don’t want to walk into a professional office and be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Likewise you don’t want to walk onto a farm wearing your best suit.

3. Don’t Slouch

How many times have you heard you mom say, “Sit up! Stop slouching!” during your childhood? I hate to break it to you, but she was right! Body language accounts for 55% of communication, while tone accounts for 38% and words a mere 7%. Know what you are communicating. Practice in a mirror if you’re concerned about your body language. Sit up and be attentive in the interview.

4. Don’t Speak Negatively About Your Current or Past Employer

There’s nothing worse than interviewing someone and all that comes out of their mouth is negativity. You’re interviewing for a new job so it’s likely you aren’t happy where you are for one reason or another. Your interviewer is bound to ask you why you are leaving or left your last employer. Make sure you don’t bad mouth your previous employer because it will speak more about you than them and leave a bad taste in the mouth of your interviewer.

5. Don’t Swear or Use Foul Language

I wish I didn’t even have to say this. Speak professionally. You aren’t hanging out with your friends. You are trying to make a good impression and using swear words or foul language will come across unprofessional.

6. Don’t Forget To Bring An Extra Copy of Your Resume

It’s always a good idea to bring an extra resume with you. If you know you are going to be interviewed by a panel, bring one for each of them. This shows you are prepared and have thought through the interview.

7. Don’t Stress Out

I know, the more someone says “don’t stress” the more you focus on not stressing so then you stress. But seriously, don’t stress yourself out. Just breathe! This may sound difficult but it’s imperative you calm your nerves. Practice interview questions with your friends. Have some good answers already figured out to common interview questions. Take a deep breath. Be yourself.

Want to interview for some jobs in the area? Check out our online job board!

Make a great first impression at your next job interview.

BROWSE OUR JOB BOARD TODAY!
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created between the author and reader of this blog post, and its content should not be relied upon as legal advice. Readers are urged to consult legal counsel when seeking legal advice.