Interviewing Etiquette
• Arrive 15 minutes early for the interview. Yes, you will have to wait.
• Turn off your cell phone. I repeat, turn OFF your cell phone, including vibrate.
• Good personal hygiene is a must.
• Dress professionally. Don’t dress to impress, just be professional. That, of course, will be determined by the type and nature of the position you are interviewing for. Generally, avoid bright colors or revealing clothing. Interviews are a test of stamina. Gentlemen, wear a V-neck undershirt.
• Greet your interviewer politely, exchange pleasantries, and offer a firm, professional handshake.
• Look your interviewer directly in the eye when you speak with him/her.
• Have good posture when sitting. Do not slouch, lean to one side, or recline.
• Offer a clean copy of your cover letter, resume, and other interview materials. Bring at least three extra copies. You never know who else you may meet with.
• Stand and introduce yourself when someone new enters the room.
• Ask for a business card from everyone you meet and offer yours.
• Explain your work history, and do not assume they have read your resume. Be conversational, ask questions, be engaging, and show them you are here to learn about the company, the opportunity, and the environment.
• If you are a talker, take a deep breath and relax. Try to answer the question that was asked and answer it succinctly. Do not go on and on.
• Be prepared for situational questions such as, “How would you handle …” or “Give me an example of a time you …” or “What are your strengths?” etc.
• Do not rush the conversation. It’s okay to take a moment to think about a question before you answer. Try to avoid being wishy-washy, and avoid saying “um.” Instead, buy some time by saying “Interesting … (pause), now that I think about it ….”
• Be personable, enthusiastic, and energetic. Be positive about your past work experiences, as well as your current state of affairs, even if you are experiencing difficulties professionally or personally. Leave your baggage at home!
• Toward the end of the interview, and only after learning about the company and the opportunity, should you ask about insurance and benefits. Be sure to do so without revealing personal details about you or your family’s health or medical concerns/problems.
• Answer questions regarding your salary expectations by saying, “I was last making $X and I’m looking for more career growth,” if you are employed. If unemployed, say, “I would like to stay in the same ballpark.”
• Answer questions regarding your availability by saying, “I need to give my current employer the appropriate two weeks notice,” if you are employed. Or, if you are unemployed, say, “I am currently available, although I am interviewing with other employers later this week.”
• Thank them for their time.
• Send thank you e-mails. Just say thank you. You do not need to resell yourself.
• Never ask for your parking to be validated.
• Always end with “It was a pleasure meeting with you. Thank you for taking the time, and I look forward to hearing from you!”
Jonathan Broder is the author and founder of Strategic Professional Staffing www.stratpros.com and his blog is at www.stratprose.com