Job Interview Etiquette

 

 

Mind Your Manners

These are some things to consider when you want to maintain proper etiquette and manners at a job interview.

  • Arrive at the job interview on time: If the interviewer is given a reason to wonder if you have a pattern of tardiness before you work for the company, you may never get the chance to prove that you don’t. Arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure that you don’t inadvertently give the appearance of being late. If you feel that you are too early, sit in your car or go to a coffee shop for a while.

There may also be times when you are required to fill out forms before the job interview. Arriving early will allow you to take care of this without running into a time crunch.

  • Cover tattoos and remove non-traditional piercings: Your job interview may not be the best place to exhibit body art. Your interviewers may be a bit more conservative than you are. It is important to remember that you’re making a first impression; and a tattoo that says ‘Biker Babe’ or ‘Scarface’ may not give an impression of professionalism to the interviewers. Whether they are designs or words, if possible keep your tattoos covered.

A body piercing in your eyebrow, in your nose, in your lip, on your tongue, or some other visible, non-traditional place, might give you street credibility, but it’s likely that ‘street’ will be apparent at your interview although ‘credibility’ may not. It’s best to assume that your interviewers are not as cool as you are. Freedom of expression may be a right, but you may want to lean toward a traditional, business appropriate appearance at your job interview.

In the event that you are determined to dress as you please regardless of the first impression that you may create, consider doing an internet search for photos that have the captions business professional, executive and/or business person. Then compare them to how you plan to present yourself for your interview and adjust your look as necessary. Dress for the occasion. Your appearance is part of your overall presentation.

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Additionally, in regards to all body piercings keep in mind that many office buildings may require people who visit their facilities to submit to a metal detector screening first. Don’t put yourself in a position to be late for your job interview or be embarrassed because you have a piercing that is not readily visible and not immediately removable.   

  • Treat everyone you meet with respect: Not only is this polite, but the truth of the matter is that you really don’t know who has a say in whether or not you’re hired. Also, you don’t know the working relationships in the office. The janitor and the head of Human Resources may be chatty whenever they’re around each other.  And the receptionist may have the ear of the department head. You simply don’t know.
  • Bring items to take notes with: More likely than not, you will not need to write anything down. But in the event that you do, you really shouldn’t have to ask the interviewer for a pen or a note pad. Being unprepared gives the appearance of being unorganized. Something like an organizer or planner that is large enough to carry pens, a note pad, and additional papers that you feel that you need to carry to the interview will suffice.
  • Know something about the job or company: If you give the impression that you’re just looking for a job and this is just another interview, then you may be viewed as just another applicant. At least know something that about the company/position. This will show that you really are interested in this particular job. Asking questions about the position shows interest as well.
  • Dress for the interview: Treat your job interview as a formal occasion and dress for it. It’s a guarantee that if you don’t, you will stand out from the other applicants that do. Men: Wear a suit and tie, or shirt and tie with slacks (not khakis) if you don’t have a suit. Women: Wear a business suit, blouse and skirt, with sensible shoes. For all applicants: Don’t be too flashy or revealing. Consider investing in one interviewing outfit if your wardrobe is a bit thin. If you choose to wear a uniform to your interview, make sure that it is impeccable.

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  • Turn off your Cell phone: Don’t let your cell phone distract you or the interviewers. Even when a cell phone is on vibrate, it is often loud enough to be discernable in an office environment. It can become a considerable distraction when your phone rings/vibrates a number of times during the interviewing process. The interviewer should have her phoned turned off as well. But be sure to note that if the interviewer receives a call during the interview, it’s because she is a busy person. If you receive a call or more than one, it will start to become annoying. That’s the difference between being the interviewer and interviewee.
  • Pay attention to your grooming: Make sure your hair looks nice, and your nails are clean and maintained. Take a good look in the mirror before you leave home and, if possible, again before your interview. Your clothes should not look wrinkled and your shoes should be clean. Men should appear to be freshly shaven. If you have a beard, make sure it looks well groomed.
  • Greetings and farewell: Make sure that you greet everyone in the interviewing party. Shake hands and be cordial. Do so again at the conclusion of the interview.
  • Say thank you: Thank the interviewers for the opportunity to interview for the position. Remember that they really did not have to consider you for the job at all. Send a brief thank you note soon after the interview. Most applicants will not do this, so it’s another positive way that you can stand out.