Do and Don't In Interview

What To Do....

• Do express yourself clearly with a strong voice and good diction and grammar.
• Do pay close attention to your personal appearance; dress to your advantage.
• Do make concrete goals in planning for your career.
• Do offer a firm handshake.
• Do look the interviewer in the eye (but don't stare him or her down).
• Do fill out applications neatly and completely.
• Do have as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible.
• Do take criticism gracefully.
• Do equip yourself with a strong knowledge of the company.
• Do have prepared questions about the employer and position.
• Do display a sense of humor.
• Do display self-confidence.
• Do bring a pen and small notebook with you to the interview.
• Do remember the interviewer's name and use it during the interview.
• Do take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions.
• Do take an extra copy of your resume and a list of references with you to the interview.
• Do follow-up with a thank-you note restating your interest in the position.
• Do contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one week after the time from which he or she indicated you would be notified.

What Not To Do....

• Don't be overbearing, overaggressive or conceited.
• Don't show a lack of interest or enthusiasm.
• Don't emphasize money as your main interest in the job.
• Don't expect too much too soon - be open to the idea of starting at the bottom and working your way up.
• Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record.
• Don't condemn past employers or institutions of education; keep comments positive.
• Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork.
• Don't be indecisive.
• Don't display intolerance or prejudice.
• Don't interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop around."
• Don't be late to the interview.
• Don't state specific geographic restrictions.
• Don't contradict yourself in responses.
• Don't take notes during the interview - jot down your notes immediately after the interview.
• Don't forget: YOU control the content of the interview.
• Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are under qualified is not recommended.
• Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.
• Don't smoke, chew gum, etc. even if offered or if the interviewer does so.

Do's and Don'ts of Interview

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.

A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.

Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.

Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.

Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.

Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: 'I strongly object' or 'I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: 'I would like to share my views on...' or 'One difference between your point and mine...' or "I beg to differ with you" Ch etanaS

Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.

Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity.