HR professionals talk interview tips
By Brittany Baggett
Racquel Harris, corporate director of human resources at NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals
“A job candidate should never come to an interview inappropriately dressed. This seems to be a growing trend among applicants and does not make a good impression on employers. Blue jeans are never appropriate. Additionally, candidates should not arrive late to a job interview. This causes the employer to think you will be late for work.”
Derek Vitatoe, human resources talent lead at Johnson & Johnson 
“It always disturbs me when candidates have no clue about our organization’s mission, what we value, what our purpose is, sometimes even what products we make. Candidates should make sure they do their homework and do as much research as possible about the organization they are applying to.”
Christy Whitney, human resources at JMFG — Smithfield Foods
“It’s OK to be nervous, but know your personal habits. If you talk a lot when you’re nervous, you will tend to tell us something we don’t need to know. If you aren’t able to talk when you’re nervous, then we cannot determine if you would be a good fit for the position. Tell us you’re nervous, and we will try to help you relax. Probably the most important guideline is never lie to us. Your body language changes, your voice changes and your breathing patterns change when you are lying. We would much rather deal with an honest applicant who may have made some mistakes in their past than to find out we are being lied to.”
Joycelyn Jones, human resources manager at Minnetrista
“Do not come unprepared. When you are interviewing for a company, you should have researched the company, their mission, vision and values. Companies nowadays want to know that you are not just looking for a job but are looking for a career.”
Melissa Walker, Human resources manger at O-I
“Job applicants should not speak negatively about a previous or current employer. Derogatory or disparaging statements about experiences at a previous place of employment will raise red flags to recruiters about a person’s problems resolution skills and ability to work effectively with others.”
Paula Wood, director of human resources at MIS Logistics Center
“Job candidates should not be disrespectful in their interviews and need to either leave their phone in the car or shut them off during the interview.”
