5 things to do and not to do during a job interview

Seneste opdateret den Fredag, 25/07/2025

After submitting countless job applications, you’ve finally received a notification on your phone: “Your application has been acknowledged, and you are invited to attend an interview at a specified time and location.”

At first, you’re excited because, after all, this could potentially be your future job! But then you realise that you’ve never had a face-to-face interview before…

Don’t worry, this article has you covered. Below you will find some tips on what to do and what you should avoid doing during a physical job interview.

To Do

Step 1: Research your potential employer

Do your homework before the interview. Find out who the Director/President is, when the organisation was founded, and do check for any recent announcements. Review their social media pages and take note of any upcoming milestones, such as company anniversaries.

You might think this level of preparation is excessive or too much, but it's not. When you demonstrate prior knowledge about their organisation during the interview, you'll stand out immediately from other candidates.

According to the EuroBrussels Career Guide, thorough company research proves you understand their business and gives you a clear edge over candidates who haven't bothered to prepare appropriately.

Step 2: Dress appropriately

For a physical job interview, first impressions do count.. You don't need to dress like you're going to a fancy ball, but looking polished shows you're serious and respectful of the opportunity and the people you're meeting. It tells them you put effort in, which translates to the effort you'd put into the job. Go for smart casual or just pick an outfit that helps you feel your best!

Groom yourself beforehand. Shower, spray some nice fragrance (but don't overdo it), style your hair nicely, and if you wear makeup, keep it professional.

Step 3: Arrive 5-10 minutes before

As mentioned above, first impressions are everything here. It would be ideal to arrive approximately 5-10 minutes before the interview starts. This will give the impression that you first respect the appointment and you are eager to start your interview, and that you’re prepared.

Step 4: Body language

Did you know that 55% of communication is non-verbal? Therefore, it’s important to have positive body language during an interview. When your interviewer is speaking, nod your head slightly to show you are listening and not zoned out. Keep a smile or at least a slight grin on your face to show interest and avoid appearing unhappy or disinterested.

Maintain eye contact as it reflects confidence when speaking. Be mindful of your hand movements; avoid fidgeting as this can suggest anxiety, stress, or discomfort. But do move your hands when you want to emphasise something.

Step 5: Your turn to ask the questions now

When the interview is about to end, you'll have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression. The interviewer will usually ask, "Do you have any questions for us?" - and this is your time to leave your mark.

Make the most of this by asking thoughtful questions that show your interest. Here are some examples: What does a typical working day look like in this position? What qualities are you seeking in your ideal candidate? When can I expect to hear back about the next steps?

Remember to personalise your questions based on what you've learnt during the interview. If the interviewer mentions something specific, do ask follow-up questions about those topics. This shows you've been actively listening.

Not to Do

Step 1: Not being prepared

If you go to the interview without any prior knowledge of the company at all, it suggests a clear lack of interest in pursuing a career with them, or at the very least, that’s the impression the interviewer will get from you.

Step 2: Not dressed to impress

As mentioned earlier in the article, first impressions do matter. If you turn up to a job interview wearing a tank top and shorts, with messy hair, a tired appearance, bad breath, and unkempt grooming, it sends a clear message that the interview doesn’t mean much to you. Even having chewing gum in your mouth is off-putting.

Step 3: Arriving late

If you show up late for your physical job interview, it gives the impression that you are not a punctual person, and you do not respect the interviewer's time. Essentially, there is a lack of professionalism on your part.

Step 4: Being all over the place

If during the job interview, you have your back slouched forward, looking everywhere apart from your interviewer, having your legs spread out like you own the room, having a blank or an agitated expression on your face, fidgeting ( could be with your fingers, hair, or even picking your nose) it will give a bad impression.

This gives a clear lack of interest, anxiety, and nervousness, and it’s quite disrespectful. If you do this during a physical job interview, do not expect a positive response.

Also, avoid focusing solely on one person during the interview if multiple people are conducting the interview.

Step 5: Leaving immediately once the interview is over

If you want to blend in with the rest of the candidates during a physical job interview, once the interview is over, just stand up and leave. This will signal to the interviewer that you’re not that enthusiastic about the potential job offer; nonetheless, it will also signal that you are passive and not proactive, which is a trait that is not desired.

So, why not use these tips in action? Apply for an internship through the Opportunity Finder website! And remember, if you want to ace the interview, rely on the first half of the article!

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link