Interview Etiquette

Interview etiquette for before, during and after your interview.

You have the experience and skills.  Now put it all together and get the edge in the job interview with the Complete Interview Guide.  Answer questions naturally without sounding rehearsed and build confidence for the interview.

• Learn how to practice right for the interview.

• Good or bad?  I wish, I think, I feel.

• How can hand gestures improve your interview performance?

• Why are mock interviews important?  Why isn't one mock interview enough?

• Why you shouldn't use limiting words such as "only" or "just"?

Plus:

• Answers to the toughest interview situations - follow-up letters, illegal questions, salary, job history questions and more!

• How to answer and how not to answer

• Questions to ask the interviewers

• What should you do the day of the interview?

• Identify possible interview questions

Search for more tips on interview etiquette including:

• How to dress

• Restaurant interview

• Telephone interview

Interview Etiquette Before the Interview

First impressions are lasting impressions: 

1. Brush your teeth and use a mouthwash.

2. Your hair should be clean and combed.

3. Nails should be clean and trimmed.

4. Be conservative and err on the side of caution.  If the company does not have a dress code, remember that its better to over dress than under dress.  

• Men can look their professional best wearing one of the many men suits available to you today.  Shirts should be clean and ironed.  If in doubt, wear a classic, conservative tie.

• Women can look their professional best with business attire.

1. Wear dress shoes.  Your shoes should be clean and/or shined.

2. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview.  The extra minutes will also give time to fill out any forms or applications that might be required.

3. Don't take your cell phone with you.  If you have to have your cell phone, turn the phone off.  Do not put your cell phone on vibrate. 

4. Don't assume that whoever greets you is the receptionist.

Interview Etiquette During the Interview

1. Make a positive and professional first impression by being assertive and giving a firm handshake to each interviewer and addressing each interviewer by name as he or she is introduced.

2. Smile.  When you smile you'll look more relaxed and confident.  Plus, you'll feel more relaxed.

3. Reinforce your professionalism and your ability to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding "uhs", "you knows", and slang.

4. Use appropriate working.  You won't receive extra points for each work that has more than 10 letters.  Use technical terms only when appropriate to the question.  

5. Ask questions.  Your first question should not be "Do you validate parking?".

Interview Etiquette After the Interview

1. Shake each interviewer's hand and thank each interviewer by name.

2. Send a thank you note (not an e-mail) as soon after the interview as possible.