Acing an interview is a must if you want to succeed in the corporate world. The interviewer himself is also pushed to his professional limits in an interview as modern hiring dynamics have forced it to become a two-way street rather than the usual case of interviewers searing down on the nervous guy across the desk. The interviewer needs to know the right questions as 15-20 minutes isn’t enough to judge a person’s full professional skills. If he fails to make a good judgement, his own career might be on the line as the upper echelons of the company hold the hirer responsible for the newbie most times.

Here are a few useful tips you should or shouldn’t do in an interview:

• Be negative about the current or former employer!

Why would anybody want to be your employer after hearing you talk foul against your previous employer? Be diplomatic even if the previous employer is a rival of your employer to-be.

• Be as precise as possible

Time flies in an interview so avoid going off-topic as much as you can. This goes for both the interviewers and the interviewees.

• Too much personal Information

Unless your job description somehow demands it, stay clear of discussing too much personal stuff in your interviews. Be quick and clear about any personal comments.

• Ask the interviewing panel personal questions

You are not there to get to know them but they are there to know you. So, avoid asking about anything other than professional matters. There will be enough time for that later!

• Avoid sounding too rehearsed

Try to remember some basic answers but don’t rely entirely on them.

• Put away the phone!

I won’t go as far as to say it is a deal breaker, but it’s right up there. Silent mode is your friend.

Good luck!