Interview Tips

Show them why you care about the job (hint: not just for the money!); Express what you can bring to
the company, not just what the company brings to you.

- They aren’t making hiring decisions based on your needs but on the company’s needs.

Be persistent, not annoying – there’s a fine line. Think about the question before you speak; Check your
attitude (and manners) at the door. Maybe don’t make specific requests until AFTER you get the job -
No demands – you’re not hired yet.

Don’t make enemies or burn bridges, start arguments, or be rude.

- No matter how good someone may be at a role, or how much experience they have or what
their metrics show, if you’re cocky – it’s an immediate pass.
- Don’t speak down to the person interviewing you, or anyone really, and don’t be rude to people
you think can’t do anything for you.
o Hiring managers always ask what receptionist/secretaries/office managers think of the
candidates they see come in or how they were treated

Be mindful of how people are interpreting you, even BEFORE you interview.

- Take your AirPods out, put your phone away, don’t be smoking right before walking in the door
- Don’t show up late with a Starbucks in hand

Dress for the job and be mindful of your body language.

- Dress like you’re showing up for work, but a tidier version of that
- Never underestimate body language, it can say a lot about you

Take the initiative to research the company and bring something to the table.

- Results matter more than experience and having initiative and the ability to work independently
can go a long way.

Don’t ghost your interview or lie to the hiring manager; Be professional and DON’T LIE; Don’t say you
want someone else’s job - Never tell someone in an interview you are gunning for their job, or anyone
else’s.

Understand what you’re signing up for - Don’t apply for a job with off hours and then tell them those
hours won’t work.

Pay attention, especially if the role is detail-oriented.

- If a candidate cannot follow simple instructions, they might not be able to follow critical on-the-
job instructions – hiring managers are all over this<<
 Interview Tips
Lastly a list of DON’T’s to consider:

- DON’T Google your interview answers/give textbook answers/sound like you’ve rehearsed the
answer 20x in a row
- DON’T dismiss the person who is actually talking to you for the person YOU think has the most
power in the room – no one wants to work with someone who disrespects them
- DON’T show up late and then not own up – address it and apologize
- DON’T talk bad about your past employers
- DON’T admit your ~true~ intentions for a role to the hiring manager
o “seems like one of those jobs where I can sit in the office and play games on my phone
all day without having to actually do anything” - the absolute wrong answer.
- DON’T always go straight to the top
o Reach out to lower-level employees to learn from them and get tips
- DON’T lie on your resume (it will come back to haunt you!)
- DON’T use shorthand like you would in a text to friends – bad grammar, even in emails, catches
negative attention right away
- DON’T treat people terribly because you think they can’t do anything for you.
o So many applications get thrown out without even being considered because the
applicant didn’t think anyone mattered but the person that made the final decision
- DON’T say what you are NOT – especially when it’s a requirement for the job.
o “I’m not a big computer or email person” – This is an office job in 2019.
- DON’T embellish your resume with nonsense
o “used whisk, spatula, and other kitchen utensils to circulate sauces and ingredients to
bring all food to adequate cooking temperature when being prepared.” You stirred it.
- DON’T let your phone etiquette slip.
o Answer with hello and your name – you never know if it’s the CEO calling you directly –
always be on!
- DON’T have an inappropriate voicemail greeting set up – a simple name, please leave a message
is fine.
o Have a voicemail set up.