Here
are a list of Do's and Don'ts during an interview.
Do's
•
Be yourself. Do not try
to be someone you are not.
•
Answer each question honestly and truthfully.
•
Answer questions as clearly as possible,
and take your time to think over your answers. Don't
tell the interviewer what you think he/she wants to
hear.
•
Try to incorporate your goals, qualities,
and experiences into your answers. Do not rush into
answering the question.
•
Use a firm handshake. Avoid using a
crushing or weak handshake. While shaking the interviewer's
hand, make eye contact.
•
Make eye contact throughout the interview,
you should focus your eyes on the interviewer, but do
not stare. Maintaining good eye contact shows that you
are attentive, confident, and respectful.
•
Sit facing the interviewer. You want
to project that you are alert and attentive. Positioning
your body away from the interviewer may give the interviewer
the impression that you are rude or not interested.
•
Maintain good posture, but try to be
relaxed. Avoid crossing your arms, this will make you
seem defensive. You want to have an "open"
appearance and seem interested at all times.
•
Smile and laugh when appropriate.
•
Show interest in the interviewer's
background and organization. Do some research about
the organization, scholarships guidelines, etc.
•
Bring a portfolio of your work, list
of activities, newspaper clippings, etc. Only bring
items that will contribute to your application and interview.
Don'ts
•
Do not dress casually.
Do not show up in jeans, T-shirt, earrings, fancy jewelry,
pagers, etc. Men should wear a conservative suit and
tie. Women should wear a conservative dress or a pants
suit, and avoid using excessive makeup.
•
Do not arrive late. It is recommended
that you arrive ten minutes early. This will give you
time to relax. Arriving late does not give a good impression
of you.
•
Do not talk too much about one particular
subject. Answer the question and move on. Do not go
into details unless asked by the interviewer.
•
Do not make inappropriate or rude
comments. Avoid all of the following: profanity, jokes,
personal comments about the interviewer, political or
religious comments. Things of this nature may eliminate
you from the list of eligible applicants.
•
Nervous habits to avoid: biting your
nails, twiddling your thumbs, playing with a pen or
pencil, shaking your leg, tapping your foot during the
interview, etc. These habits and others may be distracting.
•
Avoid drifting off while the interviewer
is speaking. Pay attention and listen to what the interviewer
is saying. Do not look out the window, at the furniture,
or at the walls. Stay focused!
•
Do not interrupt the interviewer when
he/she is speaking.
•
Words to avoid: "um," "like,"
or "you know", etc. If you need to consciously
avoid those words, take a few moments before you respond
and think about what you are about to say. Always try
to provide a clear answer.
•
Do not forget to send a Thank You card
or letter. Make sure you thank the interviewer for his/her
time and consideration.
After the Interview
After the interview, send the interviewer a Thank You letter.
Thank You letters are an effective way of showing your gratitude,
and the organization's continuation to support other applicants
pursuing a higher education. A Thank You letter should be
short, simple, and sincere. You can add a personal touch
by hand-writing the letter.
