Interview Etiquette
January 16, 2010Interview Etiquette
So your resume has earned you an interview.
Here’s how to make it a successful one:
1) Research the company/employer if at all possible. Read the company web site if there is one. Know their products or services.
2) Be early for the interview. Yes, early, not just on time. It demonstrates planning.
You’ve shown that you have allowed for that margin of error. Better that you are sitting there waiting for the interviewer than the reverse. There is always that unexpected problem that can crop up.
If the interviewer is available earlier, you’ve made his/her day easier.
Know exactly the location of the office or facility. Check transit or driving times.
Do a dry run on a weekend if necessary. If you’re late, it’s pretty safe to assume that you won’t get the job.
3) Dress appropriately. It counts. It doesn’t matter if the job is one with a very relaxed dress code and you will be wearing jeans or a uniform every day, if you get the job. By dressing in a professional manner, you show respect for the interviewer, the position and yourself. I don’t know of any job seekers who lost a position because they were overdressed for an interview but I know many who lost a position for being underdressed or inappropriately dressed.
For women: a suit with a skirt or pants and a tailored blouse is suitable. No low cut necklines, no long, scarlet fingernails. Keep jewellery simple and understated. No long dangling earrings. No towering stilleto heels.
If you have long hair, consider wearing it up or at least back off your face. You don’t want to hide behind your hair.
For men: a suit or blazer and pants with a tie always looks professional. Shave! The stubble look might be cool on a weekend but not for a job interview.
A word about piercings. A lot of young people have them today. Remove them for interviews and for work. One pair of earrings for women is fine. If you want to wear that ring through your nose on your own time, it’s fine but don’t expect to get hired wearing it.
4) Don’t bring food or drink into the interview. Now, that might seem to be self-evident but you would be surprised at how many job seekers bring a coffee in with them, while waiting to be interviewed and then actually take it in to the interview room. Don’t do it.
It’s distracting. There is the obvious potential for spills. It shows a lack of respect because your focus is not wholly on the interviewer.
If you are actually meeting at a café for an interview (more and more common in this day and age), that is different but forego the giant blueberry muffin!
5) Offer your hand if the interviewer doesn’t do it first. Make sure it’s a firm handshake. It doesn’t have to be a knuckle cruncher but don’t just lay it in the person’s palm like a wet fish. Women are particularly guilty of this.
6) Be sure and take a couple of copies of your resume with you and copies of any written references. As a recruiter, I’ve been called by clients in a panic because they are about to interview one of my candidates, but have misplaced the resume. The well prepared candidate will simply pull out a copy. You may not use it but you look well prepared. Have a list of your references with you as well. If asked, you can produce it.
7) As well, have a notepad and pen with you to make notes. Remember, you are here to learn as much as you can about the job, as well. Having a folio or folder with your resume, references and a notepad, makes you look and feel well organized.
Coming next – those difficult interview questions and how to handle them.
