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5 Job Interview Do's and Don'ts
By Daryl Hannah
January 29, 2008
Not sure you'll fit in at that company? Afraid you'll blow the interview because you didn't go to the same schools or have the same background as the interviewer and most of the people at that company? DiversityInc has compiled a list of five Do's and Don'ts to help you ace your interview and land that job.
No. 1: Do Your Homework. The only thing that will make the interview jitters go away is preparation. Being familiar with the company's mission and what it holds as most important will build your confidence and ultimately help you answer questions better. "Know a lot about the workplace before coming in for the interview," says Eliza Byard, deputy executive director for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).
Research the company's antidiscrimination policy. This helps you ensure this is a company you want as an employer. "I tell my students to use their interview time to really get a feel for the environment," says Yolande Johnson, director of the Career Placement Center at Bennett College for Women.
No. 2: Don't Lie. Despite what your gut or that little devil over your shoulder tells you, honesty is always the best policy. "You want to make sure the interviewer is drawing the right conclusion. Describe that honestly and openly," Kathy Haskins, vice president of human resources at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (No. 15 on The 2007 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list), told DiversityInc.
For information about answering questions that are inappropriate, read 5 Questions Job Interviewers Never Should Ask ... And How to Answer Them
No. 3: Do Be Upfront. As a member of an underrepresented group, disclosure is often a big issue. When is the best time to discuss orientation? When is the best time to reveal a disability? The answer is: Whenever you decide. It is very important to be comfortable with your decision to offer such sensitive information.
For applicants with disabilities, putting your disability in your cover letter is an option--but you must be aware of potential ramifications, warns Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Executive Director Alan Muir. "This option can be positive but most likely will be negative. If you have leadership and work experience, this option may not work against you, but it certainly will not absolve you from the burden of discussing it," says Muir.
No. 4: Don't Over-Personalize. While understanding who you are is imperative, it is critical to understand how you--the individual--will fit into the overall picture of the company. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you professionally. "A lot of students don't understand what their disabilities are and how it can affect how they perform on a job," says Muir.
If asked to address some of your accomplishments, relevance is key. It is also a great way to further highlight why you are right for the job. Here, details and variety are important. Include some community or social programs with which you work, and use them to show your accomplishments and to present yourself as a well-rounded applicant.
No. 5: Do Ask Questions. Again, use your research to show that you are well prepared and ask questions that show your interest in the company. But do NOT ask about salary or benefits in the first meeting unless the interviewer brings them up.
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