interview tips
Expert advice from the recruiters at Associate Staffing and Placement, Inc. to help you get the job you want!
Do...
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Know the position you are applying for.
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Research the company you are applying with.
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Know what is most important to you; pay, benefits, atmosphere, location, opportunity, and/or hours.
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Take time to choose your outfit early and try it on, thus preventing any chance of having to scramble at the last minute.
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Be neat, iron your clothes and present a professional business image.
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Wear clothes that fit properly. First impressions count.
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Wear neutral colors, such as gray, navy, black, or tan.
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Brush your teeth. That should be automatic.
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Role play. Study yourself in the mirror while forming statements related to your job history and career goals. This will prepare you for some of the more common questions that you will be asked.
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Know your strengths.
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Be energetic, even if you have to play your favorite party song on your way to your interview.
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Go to your interview alone, display motivation and self-reliance.
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Arrive on time; 10-15 minutes early is okay.
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Call if you encounter delays on your way to the interview.
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Sell yourself as the best candidate. Exude confidence.
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Exhibit professionalism.
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Answer questions directly and to the point. Stay on track!
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Ask questions that express your knowledge of the available position and the company.
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Be upbeat, outgoing, and friendly. Be someone that you would like to work with.
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Smile!
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Keep your cell phone tucked away, ideally do not bring it in to the interview with you. It is not appropriate to call or text during an interview.
Don't...
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Don't arrive unprepared. Expect to answer questions about your work experience, career goals, and personal attributes.
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Don't present yourself for an interview dressed like you would for a night out on the town. Your clothes should be conservative and professional; not provocative, too tight, too revealing, too flashy, too bright, or otherwise distracting.
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Don't show any tattoos or piercings. They are not considered traditional office attire.
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Don't be late; unless it's a natural disaster, it is absolutely unacceptable!
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Don't arrive earlier than 10 minutes before the appointment. Your interview should not be expected to rearrange their schedule, nor do they want you sitting in their lobby for an extended time.
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Don't arrive smelling of any strong odors. Strong cologne, perfume, bad breath, or the smell of cigarettes can distract an interviewer.
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Don't chew gum or bring food or drink into an interview.
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Don't ask too many questions. Let the interviewer lead the interview.
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Don't be negative. Don't say what you "won't do" or "don't want". Put a positive spin on your answers. Turn a weakness into a positive.
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Don't slouch. Show interest and initiative.
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Don't speak negatively about your previous employers or supervisors. It will reflect poorly on your professionalism.
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Don't name drop with your interviewer. The person you may know may not have a positive connotation in the interviewer's mind.
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Don't try to negotiate salary or benefits during your interview. The employer should initiate that conversation, if and when you are selected as their choice for the position.