Summer is fast approaching and many of us have sent out applications seeking summer employment. We all want some extra cash to purchase what we deem as being summer essentials. After they have responded, it is likely that they will want to conduct an interview on your behalf. Attending an interview is one of the most nerve-racking moments one may ever experience. TEENage therefore, wishes to prepare you for this so that you can successfully land yourself a great one. Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do.

Interview Do: It would be wise to know exactly where you are going before the day of the interview. Ask your parents or others for directions or call the organisation in advance and ask them to direct you.

Interview Don’t: Do not leave the identification of the interview location to the day of the interview as you might arrive late due to this.

Interview Do: Pay close attention to your personal appearance. Try to dress on the conservative show you take the interview seriously. Your attire in the interview is a reflection of your prospective attire in the workplace. We recommend that you the gentlemen get their facial hair groomed and that both ladies and gentlemen adorn modest hairstyles.

Interview Don’t: The rule of you never get a second chance to make a first impression applies here and it might instantly be a turn off that you are not properly attired or groomed. In some cases you might be instantly rejected.

Interview Do: It is essential that you are prepared for the interview setting especially if it is your first time going through the process. It might be in your best interest to research some possible questions that they may ask you and practice how you would respond to them under interview conditions. Avoid the use of family or friends as a practice partner as they might be inclined to help you during the interview.

Interview Don’t: Do not be dishonest. This will get discovered eventually and may lead to the job offer being withdrawn or you being fired. Falsifying application materials or answers to interview questions are not something to be considered. Be honest and be yourself.

Interview Do: Ensure that you have a strong knowledge of the company. Conducting minor research on the organisation as it pertains to their background, tag line or mission statement will indicate that you are interested in more than the money to be earned.

Interview Don’t: It is not advised that you go to an interview without knowing the organization’s history as often times the question “What attracted you to our company?” is asked. If you cannot find background information on the organisation, arrive early to the interview, observe the place, read their brochures and memorise all you have obtained.

Interview Do: Arrive on time preferably at least 15 minutes before your interview. You will have enough time to settle yourself and more importantly your nerves before the interview begins.

Interview Don’t: Arriving late might result in you not being interviewed at all

Interview Do: Carry all your documents that you will need which depending on the situation might include your Tax Registration Number, National Insurance Scheme, Number, Academic Certificates and the required identification.

Interview Don’t: Do not bring the originals of the documents alone as the organization might need copies to file for future reference and it would look very unprofessional to ask them to copy the documents for you.

Interview Do: Knock before you enter the interview room, if not escorted. Sit after being invited to do so.

Interview Don’t: Do not lounge in the chair, whether you are being interviewed or not as they may be watching you from a concealed camera. It looks improper and presents a lackadaisical attitude.

Interview Do: Ensure that your cellphone is off or on silent before entering the building of the organisation as you may forget before going in to the interview.

Interview Don’t: If being interviewed or not, and someone tries to communicate with you, do not answer the phone. You may lose focus on what you intend to say during the interview. You may also get so engaged in a conversation that you end up exposing the wrong side of yourself.

Interview Do: It is absolutely important that you maintain eye contact with the interviewer while toeing the line of not staring at him or her. Express yourself clearly with a strong voice, good diction and grammar. Make use of Standard English as dialect in this formal situation is not acceptable. Respond to questions asked in the most suitable manner. Never speak negatively of others, especially previous employers or co-workers.

Interview Don’t: Do not try to impress the interviewer with big words as they might be used out of context and negatively reflect on your intelligence. Also avoid using words like ‘gona, kinda, ahm, like n like n like’ slang terms like omg and idk are also to be avoided.

Interview Do: Self-confidence is a must. Offer a firm handshake and display a sense of humour.

Interview Don’t: Do not come in to an interview seeming timid or absent minded. It sometimes might project that you are not serious about the job.

Interview Do: Take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions. It is okay to ask the interviewer for a moment to gather your thoughts and take criticism gracefully as they may contribute to your later success.

Interview Do: Have at least two well structured questions to ask the interviewer. After they have finished questioning you, they may ask if you have any questions for them.

Interview Don’t: Refrain from asking the interviewer (s) anything if they have not asked you if you have questions for them.

Remember, we are humans and we may not get it right the first time but practise most certainly makes perfect. If you think you did good at an interview and you still didn’t get the job, don’t forget that there are other opportunities out there. Just brush up on your flaws and go at it again. Realise that life is a school and we are here to learn. Giving up is not an option… persevering is. Good luck.