Week 5: Interview Manners (Good and Bad)
Understanding interview best practices, professional conduct, and common pitfalls to avoid
Week 5: Interview Manners
Understanding interview best practices, professional conduct, and common pitfalls to avoid
1. Lesson Overview
This lesson focused on understanding interview best practices and professional conduct during job interviews. Successful interviews require preparation, appropriate behavior, and awareness of both positive techniques and common mistakes.
Students learned about interview preparation, professional presentation, effective communication, and common pitfalls to avoid.
2. Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Prepare effectively for job interviews with research and practice.
- Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior and presentation.
- Communicate effectively during interviews with clear, concise responses.
- Identify and avoid common interview mistakes and pitfalls.
- Follow up professionally after interviews to maximize opportunities.
3. Interview Preparation
Thorough preparation is the foundation of interview success:
Research: Understand the company, its culture, values, and recent developments. Know the job requirements and how your skills align.
Practice: Prepare responses to common questions and practice with mock interviews. Refine your storytelling to highlight achievements effectively.
Materials: Bring multiple copies of your CV, references, portfolio, and prepared questions for the interviewer.
Logistics: Confirm the time and location, plan your route, and arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Preparation builds confidence and reduces anxiety, allowing you to present your best self.
4. Professional Presentation
Your appearance and demeanor create the first impression:
| Aspect | Good Practices | Poor Practices to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Professional attire appropriate for the industry and company culture. | Casual or inappropriate clothing, poor grooming. |
| Body Language | Firm handshake, good posture, appropriate eye contact, attentive posture. | Slouching, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, crossing arms. |
| Punctuality | Arrive 10-15 minutes early to demonstrate reliability. | Late arrival or arriving too early without waiting appropriately. |
| Demeanor | Confident but humble, enthusiastic but professional. | Overly casual, arrogant, or excessively nervous behavior. |
5. Communication Best Practices
Effective communication during interviews demonstrates your professionalism and fit:
Clarity: Speak clearly and at an appropriate volume. Organize your thoughts before responding.
Conciseness: Provide complete answers without rambling. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
Relevance: Tailor your responses to the job requirements and company needs. Highlight relevant experiences and skills.
Engagement: Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, and organization. Show genuine interest in the opportunity.
6. Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly improve your chances:
Unprepared: Lack of knowledge about the company or role, inability to answer basic questions about your background.
Negative: Speaking poorly of previous employers, focusing on what you didn't like about past jobs.
Overconfident: Claiming skills or experiences you don't possess, failing to acknowledge areas for growth.
Unprofessional: Using inappropriate language, checking phone during the interview, appearing disinterested.
7. Post-Interview Follow-Up
Professional follow-up demonstrates continued interest and attention to detail:
Thank You: Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your interest and key qualifications.
Reflection: Evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement for future interviews.
Patience: Wait for the specified timeframe before following up on next steps, but don't hesitate to inquire if no timeline was provided.
8. Key Takeaways
Thorough preparation is essential for interview success and confidence.
Professional presentation and communication significantly impact first impressions.
Avoiding common mistakes is as important as demonstrating strengths.
Professional follow-up shows continued interest and attention to detail.
9. My Learning Reflection
Through this lesson, I learned that successful interviews require much more than just knowing the right answers. I now understand that preparation, professional presentation, and awareness of common pitfalls are equally important.
I learned about effective communication techniques and how to structure responses using methods like STAR. This knowledge helped me realize the importance of researching companies thoroughly and practicing responses.
I also practiced identifying and avoiding common interview mistakes—this enhanced my confidence in presenting myself professionally in interview settings.
10. My Personal Statement
Developing my interview skills has taught me the value of preparation and self-presentation in professional settings. I see these abilities as critical for career advancement and seizing new opportunities.
My goal is to continue improving my interview performance by:
I am committed to using these interview skills to secure positions that align with my career goals and contribute meaningfully to organizations.
Learning Resources
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Etiquette Workshop
Interactive learning session
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Workplace Professionalism
Corporate environment
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Cultural Sensitivity
Diverse workplace settings