Do Nots

Everyone will tell you what to do if you ask, and oftentimes even if you don’t. It is second nature to try to be helpful to others, even to our detriment. I have learned that most often, allowing someone to share what’s on their mind, will help them find answers of their own. Only when someone asks for advice, is when it should be given.  I personally think that is the hardest lesson to learn as a parent - letting your children figure things out on their own, and not giving advice when unsolicited. This is especially true as they get older. 

While I’m no expert on raising kids (even though mine are pretty terrific), as you might imagine, people ask me for advice all the time about careers and recruiting. My blogs often include tips for how to handle situations in your job search or in your recruiting situation – mostly because that is what people tell me they want to hear. But today, I’m going to share tips on what NOT to do in a job interview.  

1. Do NOT arrive late. Whether the interview is in person or via some online technology, do not arrive late. There is no excuse that is acceptable, except in extreme situations – being involved in some unpredictable transportation disaster on the way to the interview, is an acceptable excuse for being late. It would be best if in that situation, if you are not injured, that you text someone and let them know what is happening, so be sure to bring the interview contact information with you. Do NOT tell someone that you were unable to figure out the technology for an online interview that day. While we all have very busy lives, take the time the night before to figure out the technology.
2. Do NOT under-dress for an interview. Even if the organization is fairly casual most of the time, it is an interview – first impressions are important! It shows a level of respect to those with whom you are interviewing when you take the time to iron your clothes or whatever needs to be done to look professional!
3. Do NOT tell personal stories unless they are directly related to the question being asked or the mission, and even then, nothing too personal. If you are interviewing for a position with an arts organization, you can tell them that you spent ten years studying cello at a conservatory in Brussels and then played with a symphony, but not that your mother wanted you to play an instrument but you and your mother had issues.
4. Do NOT come unprepared. Do your homework. Google the people with whom you are interviewing and read everything you can about the organization. Not just the organization’s website, but articles about the organization, its leadership, and its board members. But that can lead to my next do NOT…
5. Do NOT get too friendly with the interviewers – in any way, including do NOT share all you have in common with your interviewers. Do NOT get creepy.
6. Do NOT bring a portfolio of materials with you to the interview. Unless it is requested, you shouldn’t bring anything with you to the interview except your intellect and curiosity. If you just updated your resume, while you can bring a few copies to the interview, all materials, even last-minute updates, should be sent digitally.  
7. Do NOT forget to ask for business cards and/or email addresses before you leave an interview, because you need to send thank you cards and emails. To everyone.
8. Do NOT come without at least a few key questions to ask your interviewers about the job or about the organization. Asking the interviewer’s opinions about an aspect of the position or about the plans for the future are excellent ways to create dialogue and oftentimes you can learn what people are thinking beyond what you can read on a website.
9. Do NOT assume that the LinkedIn connection you think you have with the board member or staff person interviewing you is accurate! This goes back to the previous do NOT about getting too friendly – and don’t be creepy.  If you’re like most people, you might connect on LinkedIn with friends of friends or other influencers. So will your interviewers! So, make no assumptions about who they know or who you know in common.
10. And finally, do NOT forget to follow your passion!  If the job pays a lot more than you ever imagined a nonprofit job would pay, but it isn’t something you can wake up every day being excited about, do NOT take the job. Follow your heart and passion!

“Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” Confucius