There are a lot of Do’s and Don’ts for an interview. I believe in a few Do’s which have worked for me. Always be well groomed for an interview. Do a bit of homework about the company and your job profile. Do feel free to ask relevant questions at the end of the Interview, and clear any doubts that are there in your mind. And the biggest don’t is DO NOT LIE! Please do not lie about anything in an interview. A lot of people lie and try to paint a good picture of them, but it all works against them in the long run.

I'm extremely truthful at interview (seriously) and it has went against me and so I'm not sure if it pays to be too truthful any more.

You're both right, don't lie, but you can withold the truth somewhat when you like and also obviously play up all the good stuff you've done and play down anything bad. Directly lying though is obviously a bad idea. You will be found out.

Definitely agree about the lying part.
My husband was fired a few years ago. In the interview he was asked why he left the last job.
He was honest about why he was fired, why he wouldn't do it again, and what it taught him.
They were shocked but appreciated his honesty and gave him the job.
I think if you prepare for the worst thing you could be asked about yourself (your greatest shame) and how you have made a positive move about it, then it will help you feel prepared and less afraid of the 'unknown question'.

I am always cheerful and smile at everyone. Someone you just make small talk with may be a member of staff who's opinion will be asked. (I had one interview where a group of us were shown around the site - I was the only one who asked questions - it was one reason why I got the job.)

Very good advice!

There's no point lying because you're gonna have to remember it all the time at work, and it just makes you feel like you have to be guarded all the time. So uncool.

At two interviews I've been placed in a situation where the interviewers wanted me to start ASAP. On both occasions I've had to say I had to do right by my current employer and can't dump them in it. One of the jobs I had was only a two week temporary post but it was hectic (taking calls from students on receiving their results) and had I not fronted up it would have put others under extreme pressure. My loyalty will always be with the person or persons currently paying my wage. I had hoped these potential employers would use wit and realise if I was prepared to do right by my current employers I would most likely do right by them but not so. One was actually honest and left a message saying the reasons I didn't get the job was they couldn't wait two weeks for me but admired my stance.

You mean like being four and a half years into a job and still keeping quiet about holding a PhD? :-)

In principle, you're right and if there's something you don't want people to know don't mention it rather than try to twist the truth.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

======= Date Modified 23 Mar 2012 11:04:36 =======
i edited this post, misunderstood mackem.

man, feel sorry for you trying to hide it, must have been tough, like being in the closet but job-wise, hehehehehe.

sure, not lying does not mean volunteer unnecessary info.

Play nicely please! Don't make me start quoting 'the rules' ...

;-)

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/rules.aspx

======= Date Modified 27 Mar 2012 08:30:52 =======
Hmm, what have I missed? :-)

To clarify, I meant rather than tell a lie that may trip you up later, if you don't want people to know about something it's better just not to mention it.

I'll add that remaining silent to support a malicious dishonesty, however, is as bad as lying.


Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

How about "Try to avoid strenuous masturbation during the interview"?






Can anyone tell I'm alone in the office with a pile of marking?

That depends whether or not you're been interviewed by three gorgeous lasses in short skirts and low cut tops. ;-)

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

Oh, i'm sorry Reenie. I take your point. Will be careful next time
:$

======= Date Modified 23 Mar 2012 15:27:32 =======
============= Edited by a Moderator =============
No problem OOOOO :-)

The stress involved in lying is too much. As rightly mentioned by someone, that if you lie you always have to remember what you lied about, and that is such a headache. Everyone has weakness and it is perfectly fine to mention it in an Interview. Even your interviewer is not perfect. So be honest and sincere, it will give a good impression about you.