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Job Interview Etiquette Tips

Do the words “job interview” make your heart race and your palms sweat? You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, preparing for a job interview can unnerve you.

If you have a job interview scheduled, here are some things you can do before, during and after your interview to shake off the nerves and make a positive impression.

BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW

• Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with. Learn about the company’s culture and find out the dress code. If you’re unsure, choose to dress “up” rather than dress “down.”
• Organize your portfolio, and bring along a copy of the job description and a fresh copy of your resume.
• A day or two before your scheduled interview, scope out the location. This will help you determine your travel time, as well as where to park when you arrive.
• Make sure that your car is clean. Sounds odd, I know, but sometimes employers look at how you maintain your car as a reflection of how you’ll manage your job

DAY OF YOUR INTERVIEW

• Choose an outfit that is clean and doesn’t need repair. Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothes and extravagant jewelry. Ladies, choose a modest outfit—something that is not too revealing.
• Skip the cologne or perfume. Many people have strong allergies to scents and you d you may be in close quarters with your interviewer.
• Make sure your hands are clean and manicured. If you wear nail polish, go for something understated and neutral.
• Remember this: “To be early is to be on time and being on time is to be late.” Arrive early enough so that you can take a moment to stop by the rest room to check your hair, teeth and clothing.
• Stand up when being introduced to your interviewer. Make eye contact, shake hands (depending on the culture – in North America, palm to palm with two quick pumps.) Greet the person and say how pleased you are to meet him or her. Research shows that that the first impression, or first seven seconds, shapes outcome.
• Follow the interviewer and sit down when you’re invited to do so.
• Never place your handbag or briefcase on the interviewers desk or the conference table. We recommend that ladies bring a clutch and place on lap or behind back on chair.
• Relax. Avoid fidgeting or shaking your leg up and down. Relax, sit up straight and be confident.
• If being interviewed during lunch or dinner, observe all dining etiquette rules. Follow your host’s lead. Avoid ordering alcohol, unless of course you’re being interviewed for a position in an alcohol-related industry.
• Listen carefully to the questions and answer confidently. If you don’t know an answer, be honest and simply say that you don’t know.

AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW

• Within 48 hours of your interview, send a handwritten thank you note to the person who interviewed you. To make it more personal, and make yourself more memorable, refer to an incident that occurred during the interview.

When it comes to job interviews, being prepared and knowing the job interview etiquette tips ahead of time is a great start! Be confident and you will shine!

Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette and tagged job interview etiquette.