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Dos And Don’ts For Your Next Interview

by | CAREER GUIDANCE, Job Hunting

Have you just landed an interview at a company you've been eyeing for a while? Congrats! That means they like you on paper, but now you have to convince them in person that you're the best candidate for the role. Before you head to your interview, we advise you to take a look at this list of 16 interview dos and don'ts.

By ticking off each "do" and remembering to avoid each "don't", you'll be one step closer to landing the hospitality job you want.

Dos:

  • 1. Research the company - Learn two or three pieces of information, it could be about the company's history, values or recent announcements. Doing your research shows your're seriously interested in the opportunity. 
  • 2. Make a positive impression - From the receptionist who greets you to the hiring manager who decides your fate. Offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and remeber to smile.
  • 3. Dress to impress - Professional, elegant attire and impeccable grooming show attention to detail which is something every employer looks for in an employee. Got doubts about the dress code? Check out the four levels of business attire here!
  • 4. Be on time early - Arrive ten minutes early for the interview. Not only will this ensure that you aren't late, a huge DON'T, but it'll help you to avoid looking stressed upon arrival. Make sure you check your route a day in advance if you're not familiar with the interview location.
  • 5. Bring copies of your CV - Keep one copy for you and pass one to the hiring mangers. You don't want the recruiter to ask you a specific question and you don't have a reference infront you.
  • 6. Eat a good meal beforehand - Trust us, no one wants to hear your stomach growl during the interview. Even if you're nervous and don't feel like eating a lot, try something small so that you have a bit of energy and can focus better.
  • 7. Ask questions - This is a big interview DO. Prepare three to five thoughtful questions for the interviewer so you can learn more about the opportunities on offer and decide if it's right for you.
  • 8. Send a thank you email within 48 hours - Take the time to thank the hiring manager for their time, it's respectful and demonstrates good manners. Don't forget to mention your enthusiasm for the position.

Don'ts:

  • 1. Be late - See above, need we say more?
  • 2. Smell strongly of anything - Avoid perfume, cologne, cigarettes and anything else that could create an odor on the day of the interview. You want your future to be the interviewer's focus, not your scent.
  • 3. Exaggerate on your CV - Doing so will make you seem self-important and perhaps dishonest, two characteristics that make you unfit to join a team. Be honest and graceful about your accomplishments and setbacks, this conveys maturity.
  • 4. Trash talk previous employers - Tempted to vent your frustration? Don't, it's a terrible thing to do in an interview. You'll alienate the interviewer and seem petty. Keep it positive and show that you're a valuable team player.
  • 5. Chew gum or fidget, or check your phone - Before entering the interview location, turn your phone off. You want the interviewer's sole focus to be on your future with their company. The best way to ensure this happens is to sit still, maintian eye contact, and let nothing distract you. Are you prone to getting interview nerves? Here's how you can hide that you're nervous.
  • 6. Get overly familiar with the recruiter - Steer clear of controversial topics, policitcs, and very personal stories. Keep it professional at all times.
  • 7. Play hard to get - This isn't a date. Be enthusiastic about the position, company, and development opportunities.
  • 8. Use the interviewer's first name - Use a formal title to address them and be sure to ask about the correct pronunciation of their name if you have any doubts.

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