Interviewing Do's and Don'ts

Do's

Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one. Even if you are already in the industry, wear a business suit.
Arrive 15 minutes early. Tardiness is never excusable.
Maintain a professional demeanor even when waiting. Smile, make eye contact, and maintain good posture.
Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.

Don'ts

Don't answer vague questions. Ask the interviewer to clarify fuzzy questions.
Don't interrupt the employer. If you don't listen, the interviewer won't either.
Don't be disrespectful. Don't smoke, chew gum or place anything on the interviewer's desk.
Don't be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is.
Don't wear heavy perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not share your tastes.
Don't ramble. Overlong answers can make you sound apologetic or indecisive.
Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully.
Don't express bitterness. Avoid derogatory remarks about present or former employers.

Closing the interview
By asking good questions and closing strongly, you can reduce post-interview doubts. If you feel that the interview went well and you want to take the next step, express your interest to the interviewer.

Follow that statement with an open-ended question that will allow you to determine what objections or concerns the hiring manager might have relative to your candidacy. This approach could provide you with an opportunity to overcome the objection either then or in follow up that you will do after the interview. Asking questions that result in a yes or no answer are not good closing questions because they do not provide you with enough information.

Summarize in a sentence or two your strengths as they relate to this position and end the interview on a positive note. Express your appreciation for the interviewer's time and consideration. A few things to remember during the closing process:

Make sure that you have thoroughly answered: "Why are you interested in our position/company?" and "What do you bring to this position?"
Ask for the interviewer's business card so that you can write a thank you letter as soon as possible.

Follow-up
After your interview, follow-up is critical with both your recruiter and the interviewer. While it is fresh in your memory, jot down key issues covered in the interview. When writing your thank-you letter, indicate how your qualifications and strengths match with what the employer is looking for specifically. This letter should be written no later than 24 hours after the interview. It is a good idea to have discussed your interview with your recruiter prior to writing your follow-up letter so that strategic issues can be discussed.