Job interviews can often be extremely stressful, but they do not have to be. The best way to make a job interview successful is to be prepared. Therefore, review and adhere to the following most important do’s and don’ts of job interviewing:

Do:

• Dress appropriately for the position (scout the place out ahead of time to see what most people are wearing)
• Arrive early, but not too early, for the interview (10 to15 minutes before the interview begins is sufficient) 
• Remember the interviewer’s full name 
• Bring a list of references and extra copies of your resume just in case your interviewer does not have one available
• Be kind and courteous to the secretary or others you meet because you never know what influence they may have in the hiring process 
• Be an active member of the interview; if appropriate, steer the conversation to enable you to emphasize your strengths 
• Be specific in your answers, giving examples of skills and accomplishments in your work and personal life
• Project confidence and relax 
• Be polite and enthusiastic and smile 
• Make good eye contact with the interviewer 
• Shake hands firmly 
• Send a thank-you letter immediately after the interview

Don’t:

• Arrive late
• Have anything in your mouth like gum and don’t smoke during the interview 
• Lean or put your elbows on the interviewer’s desk 
• Be taken back by the interviewer’s friendly manner; remain politely businesslike 
• Give one and two word answers; the interviewer is trying to get to know you! 
• Sit until you are invited to do so 
• Slouch or sit back in an overly relaxed or sloppy manner 
• Appear annoyed if kept waiting 
• Criticize others, including past employers, colleagues or workplaces 
• Put yourself down, appear desperate or overly anxious 
• Talk about salary until the interviewer raises the issue 
• Offer your references when asked to provide them