Do's and don'ts of interviews
Prepare for your job interview with these tips from Erich Martens, principal at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School:
DO
- Tell your references about your job search. They'll appreciate the heads-up and do a better job of representing your strengths.
- Have questions prepared for the interview.
- Learn as much about your potential employer as possible. Check the Web to see if your new employer has a site.
- If you use a portfolio, have it be reasonable in size and relevant to the interview.
- Connect your answers with relevant experiences you've had. This lets the potential employer know you've been successful in similar situations.
- Make sure the interview committee knows you're strongly interested in the job. Repeat the reasons you feel you're the best candidate for it.
DON'T
- Arrive late to an interview. Remember that your interview starts with the first phone call or contact you have with a potential employer.
- Forget to research the school or organization through phone calls, the Internet and any other resource.
- Dress less than your best.
- Be afraid to take a minute to frame your answer. Just be reasonable in the amount of time you take.
- Send out cover letters or resumes with errors. Have several different people proof them for accuracy and clarity.
August 12, 2010