Interviews can be nerve wracking, but here at GiveTeens20^®, we have your back.

We recently chatted with Safeway Corporation’s Field Recruiter, Andrea Schulz, about some interviewing do’s and don’ts. As a field recruiter, some of Schulz’s duties include communicating with store and district managers about hiring needs, working with community based organizations and going to job fairs.

Schulz has had her fair share of being an interviewer and just recently interviewed some people at a job fair.

With help from Schulz, here are some interviewing do’s and don’ts to help you prepare for them. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!

1. Do your research.

Make sure you know about the company and what they do before you go into the interview. “It shows that you care about the job that you’re applying for, and that you have done your homework,” says Schulz.

2. Don’t speak negatively about your past co-workers or bosses.

If you are asked about a time of conflict at work, make sure you do not bad-mouth your past co-workers or bosses. Speaking negatively about your past job or boss is a red flag for interviewers and puts your professionalism in jeopardy.

Instead of blatantly saying that you hated your manager, Schulz suggests spinning it into more of a positive note such as, “My manager and I didn’t see eye-to-eye, but at the end of the day, we tried to work together.”

3. Do dress appropriately for your interview.

When you are researching the company, make sure you find out what their dress code is like. Some companies can be more casual about their dress code than others. “Do your research on where you are going but never be underdressed,” Schulz explains.

4. Don’t answer with just a yes or no.

If it is not a closed-ended question, make sure you elaborate on your answers. “Always give examples with whatever you’re asked,” says Schulz.

It is important to note, however, that your answers should not be a monologue either.

5.  Do arrive early for your interview.

Make sure you arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview. This will give you some time to get situated and gather your thoughts. Being late leaves a bad first impression.

6. Don’t arrive too early.

Yes, arriving too early can also be detrimental. Arriving too early makes it awkward in the waiting room.

7. Do make good eye contact with your interviewer.

Your nonverbal skills are just as important as your verbal ones. It shows that you are engaged and enjoying the conversation.

“Especially in retail, if you don’t smile once in the interview, that is a huge red flag, because you are dealing with customers and customer service,” says Schulz. “We are trying to hire people that are friendly, and if you don’t smile or look up during the whole interview, I’m not going to offer you the position.”

8. Don’t lie.

What you lie about will eventually be discovered at some point in the future.  Just don’t do it. It benefits no one.

9. Do ask questions.

Most of the time, near the end of the interview, your interviewer will ask if you have any questions. Always, always, always ask questions. Asking questions shows your knowledge in the position as well as your interest in it.

10. Don’t use too much slang or fillers.

When answering questions, try not to use too much fillers such as “uhm” and “uh”. To avoid this, practice your answers with a friend or family member before the real interview.

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Hopefully with these tips, you can conquer your interview!

Also, if you are going into an interview for the first time, Schulz suggests a couple of things:

• Smile, look them in the eye and greet them.
• Give your interviewer a strong handshake.
• Practice in front of a mirror, friend, or family member prior to your interview.
• Print up your resume, bring it to the interview, and give it to your interviewer for reference.

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