Things Not To Say or Do during a Job Interview

Job interviews can be tense. You want to look good. You don't want to do anything that makes you look bad. You want to be remembered when the interviewers think about the people they will bring back for a second interview. These Do's and Don'ts can make you a winner when you go for your internship, summer employment, or college interview:
Do's

•  Wear clean, pressed, appropriate clothes
•  Groom your hair and nails, and brush your teeth
•  Remove your body jewelry
•  Sit straight in your chair and use good posture when standing
•  Listen more than you talk
•  Speak clearly and confidently when responding to the interviewer
•  Look the interviewer in the eye when talking
•  Show courtesy
•  Take a pad and pen for notes

Don'ts

•  Brag
•  Fidget
•  Interrupt
•  Wear strong cologne or perfume
•  Slump
•  Mumble
•  Answer a cell phone or text message
•  Speak badly of your former employer

One organization surveyed top personnel executives of 100 major American corporations and asked for stories of bad or weird behavior from job applicants. Here's what the executives didn't like. The applicant:

• Brought a child to the interview
• Chewed and popped gum
• Giggled from nervousness during the interview
• Stood up and walked out before the interview ended
• Wore a jogging suit to the interview
• Took out a cell phone and texted when the interviewer had to take a phone call
• Apologized for leaving when the interview went long, but said it was time to go to another interview
• Whistled when the interviewer was talking
• Came to the interview with the flu
• Asked for salary information at the beginning of the interview