Page 17 - Job_Search_Handbook_Flipbook

Job Search Handbook

Copyrighted Material
Talking About Yourself
 Highlight significant contributions.
 Never lie about your experience.
 Don't go off on tangents.
 Watch for signals for when to stop talking.
 Evaluate the interviewer while you are being evaluated. You
may be hesitant about the company.

Traps to Avoid
 Watch out for habitual signs of nervousness -- i.e., laughing,
finger fidgeting, squirming, or leg swinging. Everyone is
nervous during an interview, but you can control the amount
of nervousness you display.
 Do not be overly concerned with the possibility of a rejection.
Instead, focus on the possibility of getting the job and how
your experience can help this company. Every interview is a
learning experience.
 Never be critical of a company or the performance of anyone
employed there. Above all, don't "bad mouth" a former
employer.
 Do not argue. Sell yourself with confidence, but always keep
the discussion friendly and open.
 Do not show irritation with delays or interruptions, even if
you are irritated. Help the interviewer conduct a good
interview. Be courteous and considerate. Always leave
yourself plenty of time for an interview.
 Do not apologize for things you cannot change or are not
responsible for -- i.e., your age, education, or work history.
 Do not pretend or lie.
 Do not be afraid that there is something you do not know. No
one is totally knowledgeable about everything.
 Do not tell "war stories" or give long descriptions of "what
happened when…," unless you have been encouraged to do
so.
 Do not smoke, even if the interviewer indicates you may.
 Do not use expressions such as "like" and "you know." Avoid
too many "ers' and "uhs." Take your time and think before you
speak.
 Do not be in a rush to answer every question immediately; not
all questions have simple, easy answers. Interviewers tend to
be suspicious (and rightly so) of glib, simplistic solutions.

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