TOP INTERVIEWING "DON’TS"

a) Don’t share proprietary information about your existing employer. You will lose all credibility.

b) Don’t ramble on. Be short, concise and to the point. An interviewer’s time is valuable and you don’t want to waste it. Make sure that before you say something, you answer in your mind, "So what?" If you were the interviewer, would you care about what you are going to say? If the answer to "So what?" is positive, then go ahead. However, if you ask "So what?" and you don’t have a good response, then don’t say it.

c) Don’t ever disparage your current company. Be positive when stating why you are leaving. Give your current boss and employer high praises. Then, shift the focus to the fact that you are ready for the next challenge.

d) Don’t tell interviewers what you are currently earning. If you mention how much you are currently making, you have just capped your potential offer. By not mentioning current compensation, you place yourself in a much better bargaining position.

e) Don’t show up late to the interview. That will immediately leave a bad taste in the interviewer’s mouth, and you most likely will be rejected just because of that.

TOP INTERVIEWING "DO’S"

a) Sit down only when asked.

b) Cross your legs only if the interviewer does.

c) Eat lightly before the interview and at least an hour in advance. You can celebrate with a good meal after the interview.

d) Brush your teeth and use mouthwash before the interview. Bring breath mints with you.

e) Ask to take notes (if you wish to do so).

f) If you are currently employed, try to save up at least three months of living expenses before you begin your job hunt. This is ideal because it takes any financial pressure off you and allows you to interview at the top of your game. Ideally, the best time to look for another job is while you are still employed and have plenty of savings in the bank. But if you don’t have that luxury, try to save as much money as possible and cut down on your expenses during the process.

g) After each interview, grade yourself. Ask yourself what you did well on and where you could have improved. Write down notes on these areas so you can continually improve on your interviewing techniques.

h) Smile and have fun!