Updating Results

WM New Zealand

3.5
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Dos and Don'ts in interviews

WM New Zealand

An interview gives an employer the opportunity to see if you match the requirements of the job AND an opportunity for you to see if the job matches you!

DO:

  • Dress appropriately for the role
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes early
  • Greet the interviewer warmly, but wait to be invited to sit down
  • Be positive and enthusiastic
  • Smile and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s)
  • Use the interviewer's name
  • Try to relax – Don’t perch on the edge of your chair but don’t slouch either
  • Speak clearly and not too fast. Give yourself a moment to think about your replies and if unsure of the question ask them to repeat or rephrase it
  • End negatives with a positive for example: “No I haven’t done that before, but I am a quick learner” 
  • Talk about what you did, not the team, ‘I’ is good

DON’T:

  • Be late
  • Have your phone turned on
  • Be unprepared
  • Fidget and try to avid meaningless phrases like “you know”, “I mean”, “I guess” etc
  • Underdress (e.g. overalls for a corporate office job)
  • Have food, drink, or chewing gum
  • Slouch, fold your arms, look down, etc
  • Interrupt
  • Give only “Yes” or “No” answers
  • Criticise past or present employers
  • Argue or use bad language