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30 Essential Tips for Interviews: Mastering Virtual and In-Person Interviews

Do's and Don'ts for Jobseekers

Virtual Interviews

 

Nail virtual interviews with our essential tips for interviews and feel confident in remote conversations. Master the art of virtual interviews with our expert advice and land your dream job from anywhere. 

Virtual Interviews

Do's:

1. Test Your Technology: Make sure your computer, camera, microphone, and internet connection are working well before the interview.

2. Dress Professionally: Wear appropriate attire, just like you would for an in-person interview.

3. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet, well-lit place for the interview, free from distractions.

4. Be Punctual: Log in to the interview platform a few minutes early.

5. Maintain Eye Contact: Look at the camera, not the screen. When giving a video interview, ensure you maintain some distance from the camera so that your upper body is visible in the frame.

6. Use a Professional Background: Make sure your background is neat and uncluttered.

7. Have Notes Ready: Keep a copy of your resume and any notes you might need nearby.

8. Show Enthusiasm: Smile and show interest in the position and company.

9. Check Lighting: Ensure your face is well-lit and clearly visible.

10. Have a Backup Plan: Be prepared with a backup device or phone number in case of technical issues.

11. Mute Notifications: Turn off any notifications on your computer or phone to avoid interruptions.

12. Test Your Audio: Check your microphone and speakers to ensure clear audio.

13. Use Headphones: Consider using headphones to reduce background noise and improve sound quality.

14. Prepare Your Environment: Remove any potential distractions from your interview space.

15. Stay Professional: Treat the virtual interview with the same seriousness as a physical interview.

Don'ts:

1. Avoid Technical Issues: Don’t wait until the last minute to check your technology.

2. Dress Casually: Avoid wearing casual clothes, even if you’re at home.

3. Choose a Distracting Environment: Don’t conduct the interview in a noisy or cluttered place.

4. Be Late: Don’t log in at the last minute or after the scheduled time.

5. Look Away: Don’t constantly look away from the camera; it may seem like you’re not paying attention.

6. Use a Messy Background: Avoid having a messy or inappropriate background.

7. Forget Important Documents: Don’t forget to have your resume and notes handy.

8. Be Monotone: Don’t be dull or uninterested; show that you are excited about the job.

9. Have Poor Posture: Avoid slouching or sitting in an unprofessional manner.

10. Eat or Drink: Don’t eat or drink during the interview.

11. Allow Interruptions: Don’t let pets or family members interrupt your interview.

12. Use Informal Language: Avoid using slang or overly casual language.

13. Ignore the Interviewer: Don’t interrupt or talk over the interviewer.

14. Check Your Phone: Don’t look at your phone during the interview.

15. Forget to Thank the Interviewer: Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time at the end.

In Person Interviews

 

Ready to nail that in-person interview? Follow our essential tips for interviews to connect with your interviewers and show them your best self. 

Physical Interviews

Do's:

1. Dress Appropriately: Wear formal or business casual attire suitable for the job you are applying for.

2. Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your interview time.

3. Bring Necessary Documents: Carry extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other requested documents.

4. Practice Good Hygiene: Ensure you are well-groomed and presentable.

5. Be Polite: Greet everyone with a smile and a firm handshake.

6. Show Good Body Language: Sit up straight, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting.

7. Prepare Questions: Have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer about the role and the company.

8. Practice Your Answers: Be ready to answer common interview questions confidently.

9. Research the Company: Know key facts about the company and role. Check out our fast job search secrets for more!

10. Be Honest: Answer questions truthfully and avoid exaggerating your skills or experiences.

11. Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and comments.

12. Be Confident: Show confidence in your abilities and experience.

13. Stay Calm: Remain composed and handle unexpected questions gracefully.

14. Use Professional Language: Speak clearly and use appropriate language throughout the interview.

15. Follow Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity.

Don'ts:

1. Dress Inappropriately: Avoid wearing casual or unprofessional clothing.

2. Be Late: Don’t arrive late; it creates a negative first impression.

3. Forget Documents: Don’t forget to bring your resume and other necessary documents.

4. Neglect Hygiene: Don’t overlook personal grooming; it’s important to be neat and clean.

5. Be Disrespectful: Don’t ignore anyone, from the receptionist to the interviewer.

6. Show Poor Body Language: Avoid slouching, crossing your arms, or looking uninterested.

7. Be Unprepared: Don’t go into the interview without having questions to ask.

8. Forget to Follow Up: Don’t forget to send a thank-you email after the interview.

9. Fidget: Don’t fidget with your hands or objects; it can be distracting.

10. Interrupt the Interviewer: Avoid interrupting or talking over the interviewer.

11. Badmouth Previous Employers: Don’t speak negatively about past employers or colleagues.

12. Check Your Phone: Don’t look at your phone during the interview.

13. Use Slang: Avoid using slang or overly casual language.

14. Be Overly Familiar: Don’t be too informal or familiar with the interviewer.

15. Show Disinterest: Don’t appear bored or uninterested in the role or the company.

 

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