DO    

Speak clearly and concisely.

Pause before an answer, if you need to.

Listen carefully to each question and what the employer is asking you.

Ask the employer to explain more clearly or elaborate if you do not understand a question.

Ask the employer to repeat a question, if you are not sure you heard it correctly.

Provide full and comprehensive answers, giving examples where appropriate.

Be honest.  Tell them if you do not know the answer.

Be honest, do not say anything that is not true.

Give positive answers, such as ‘I will...’

DON’T    

Ramble or go off on a tangent.

Feel you have to rush into an answer.

Lose focus and end up misinterpreting what you have been asked.

Try and answer when you do not understand what they are asking, you may end up giving an inappropriate answer.

Sit there and panic because you did not hear or understand the question the first time.

Restrict yourself to yes/no answers.

Worry if you cannot answer every question, they will appreciate your honesty.

Lie or get too ‘creative’ with your answers, details can and will be checked.  Exaggerating your level of experience unrealistically will not benefit your career and will lead to further complications if you are offered the position.

Give negative answers, such as ‘I might...’

DO

Sit comfortably in your chair, ideally sit slightly forward to indicate interest and alertness.

Be aware of nervous habits and control them during the interview.

Keep your hands still when speaking.

Maintain a good level of eye contact with the person asking you questions.

When there are multiple interviewers hosting an interview look at the person asking the question, but when answering endeavour to glance at all parties.

Allow extra time for the interview so you do not have to worry about checking your watch.

DON’T

Slouch, this will suggest you are not taking the interview seriously.

Show nervous habits, such as playing with your hair, fiddling with a piece of jewellery.

Use closed body language e.g. folded arms.

Stare intensely at the interviewer, the floor, your hands or keep averting your gaze.

Ignore everyone except the person asking the question; you want them to feel included in your answer too.

Look at your watch, even if you are concerned about time or are anxious that the interview has overrun.