Get hired: Do's and don'ts for your next job interview

Job interviews can make anyone nervous and anxious. But, there are things you can do to set yourself apart from the other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job. There also are things you should never, ever do on a job interview.

Below is a list of interview do's and don'ts from area experts.

__DO present yourself well.__

"(Someone interviewing for a job) should present themselves with a professional appearance and good communication skills all wrapped up with a confidence in their abilities," says Diane Jordan, career services coordinator at Metro Business College in Cape Girardeau.

Connie Mahathath, branch manager of TalentForce, an employment agency in Cape Girardeau, agrees.

Two Business Colleagues With an Application Form Conducting an Interview at a Table

"Present yourself in a professional manner," she says. "This should include attire, communication style and having an updated resume. You should be able to clearly articulate why you would be the best fit for the position you are inquiring about."

__DO conduct your research.__

"Be prepared," says Mahathath. "Research the company and the person who will be interviewing you. This shows your interest level and enables you to have an intelligent conversation with the interviewer."

You can research the company you are planning to interview with in a variety of ways.

"You must do your research about a (potential) employer," says Jordan. "Know the history and goals of the company. These can be found through the newspaper, the chamber of commerce or online."

__DO ask questions.__

"During an interview, it's essential to have a handful of questions to ask your potential employer," says Constance Hoffman, president and founder of Social and Business Graces Inc. in St. James, Missouri, who is teaching a hiring seminar April 23 at the University of Missouri Extension office in Jackson. "Some questions could include: 'What would you consider to be the ideal background for the position? What are some of the significant challenges? What's the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment? Do you have any concerns that I need to clear up to be the top candidate?' Not having questions can appear that you are unprepared and disinterested."

Mahathath offers these suggestions: "Ask smart questions, engage your listening skills and don't try to oversell yourself."

In addition to asking smart questions, following up on the interview is key.

"Follow up with a thank-you note and express your interest in joining their team," says Jordan.

__DO be positive.__

"Bring a positive attitude to your interview," says Hoffman. "Most interviews won't even give a second thought to someone who has a negative presence or seems like they almost need to be talked into the job. You're selling yourself, and part of you is the positive approach you'll bring to the job every morning. Provide a firm handshake, make eye contact, show a genuine smile and have a friendly demeanor; it will go a long way."

Try to remain positive even when asked difficult questions during the interview.

"Always be prepared for difficult questions," says Mahathath. "Be honest, but explain situations with a positive attitude. Never speak negatively about a past employer, and take responsibility for your work history and experience. Take time to think about your answer, and don't be defensive. A positive attitude can go a long way."

Turn a negative into a positive when answering those difficult questions.

"Handle difficult questions by minimizing your shortcomings and emphasizing your strengths," Hoffman says. "Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits. Interviewers are less concerned with the failure than how you handled it. You are human, after all! They want to know that you are capable of thoughtful growth and can move past any previous struggles. Remain focused to include positive action and explanations."

__DO leave a mark.__

"Be aggressive in your job search," says Jordan. "Sitting at home and waiting to hear from places you applied to online is not the answer. Instead, get dressed up, take your portfolio and go door to door. And, leave something behind. If the place of business is not accepting resumes, leave a card with your contact information and a short list of your skills."

Mahathath shares this advice: "Differentiate yourself by being prepared and professional, and customize your resume for each position in which you are applying. Sending a handwritten thank you note after the interview will also make a significant impact."

__DON'T forget your manners.__

Unfortunately, some mistakes are common during interviews.

"Talking too much about one's personal life and not seeming excited," says Jordan. "And, this should go without saying, but never, ever use your cellphone during an interview!"

Mahathath mentions these mistakes people sometimes make when interviewing for a position.

"They are unprepared; they failed to research the company. They do not make eye contact and communicate effectively; or, they assume they know everything about the company and position, and fail to ask questions," she says.

__DON'T talk badly about a previous employer.__

"Putting down the company you're trying to leave or one you've worked for in the past gives off the impression you're a negative person who can't let go of the past," says Hoffman. "It also may make people wonder what you'd say about their company if they hire you."

__DON'T be late.__

Nothing makes a worse impression than arriving late to an interview, says Hoffman.

"If you can't turn up on time for the interview, what on earth would you do as an employee?" she says. "If there's even the remotest chance that weather, traffic or hard-to-follow directions might be a problem, leave absurdly early just to be sure. If a meteor hits your car, go to a phone booth and ask to reschedule."

__DON'T forget your homework.__

"It isn't necessary to memorize the company's annual sales and profit figures, but you should know something about their products or services," says Hoffman. "Check out information about large companies in business magazines or corporate directories at your public library, or call the company and ask for a copy of the annual report. For smaller organizations, you may have to rely on the grapevine; some of the best information can come from people who used to work there."