Interview etiquettes refer to codes of conduct an individual must follow while appearing for interviews. It is said to be a bunch of rules and polite manners that candidates/applicants must imbibe when attending an interview. Interview etiquettes are important for a successful interview outcome and in securing a job.
Additionally, a lasting or great impression on hiring managers/recruiters is created with good interview etiquettes, as interviewers have the opportunity to examine the candidate’s personality and work ethics. Moreover, it is not enough for a candidate to have good qualifications, skills, and expertise on paper but proper manners are as well important for any job position. Here are ten basic and important etiquette that you must keep to secure a job;
- Be Punctual:
The business adage says that punctuality is the soul of business. This adage is also an applicable interview etiquette when securing a job. Being punctual to an interview is imperative to making a positive first impression. As lateness may make a negative impression on the recruiter and this may affect the success of the interview. Therefore, candidates should try to plan effectively to avoid any unforeseen or uncontrolled circumstances which may cause lateness.
Planning includes visiting the location of the prospective employer a day before to familiarize yourself with the area especially where you are uncertain. Also, candidates should be careful not to be too punctual as some recruiters hate extreme punctuality.
As there are chances that the recruiter is not prepared or has certain tasks to perform before the interview. Hence, the candidate’s punctuality may put some sort of pressure on the recruiter or hiring manager, leaving a feeling of being rushed and irritated. It is best to arrive at the interview at least fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled time of the interview.
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- Dress to Impress:
A candidate’s dressing also makes a good first impression as it sets the tone of the conversation. It also gives the recruiter a peep into the candidate’s personality and work ethics. Nowadays, corporate organizations tend to dispense with the need for formal corporate dressing in favour of an informal dressing culture.
This applies to engineering firms, venture capitals, telecommunication firms, etc. Although banks, law firms, etc. strictly adopt a professional corporate culture in terms of dressing. Regardless of what the firm’s corporate culture may be in terms of dressing, it is safer to be overdressed rather than underdressed. It is safer to dress in a business attire where an interview is for a professional position.
Where the position is located in a casual or informal environment, it is important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed. Dressing is a good interview etiquette that conveys professionalism and respect. These characteristics are important in securing a job.
- Greetings:
Greetings is another important interview etiquette as it conveys respect and manners. Kindly greeting the receptionist conveys courtesy. Asking for permission before seating is basic etiquette which conveys courtesy and polite manners. Greetings also include addressing the recruiters appropriately with the right titles. This also aids in creating a good impression of the candidate on the recruiter.
- Practice Polite and Confident Body Language:
Body language is an important interview etiquette that candidates ought to have before attending an interview. Body language is non-verbal communication in which physical behaviours, as opposed to words, are used to communicate. Non-verbal communications make much impression as physical communication on the recruiters. Hence, your physical communication and body language must be speaking the same language. Eye contact, posture, hand position, are forms of communication. When the interview commences, start with a firm handshake as it shows authority and sets the atmosphere for the interview. Follow it with eye contact and a smile, this communicates confidence in your ability to carry out the responsibilities of the position. During the interview, keep your posture straight, your head high and your movements should match your words simultaneously. It is not possible to “fake” body language, so it is best to try to make yourself feel positive and attentive before attending the interview. With the right attitude, the appropriate body language would follow.
- Limit Distractions:
During the interview limit any form of external distractions. Distractions distract both the candidate and the hiring manager. It can give a negative impression of the candidate of his inability to focus. One of the ways of limiting distractions is to turn off your cell phone not put it on vibrate. Additionally, the candidate should try not to draw unnecessary attention to him/herself as it can also serve as a distraction.
- Sell Yourself:
A good interview etiquette is for the candidate to be able to sell himself professionally and sensibly. Here, the candidate should discuss the job responsibilities drawing and citing examples from past experiences and achievements. The candidate can go further by discussing the reasoning behind the decisions made which led to these achievements. This shows politely and conversationally that the candidate is intelligent and understands the responsibilities attached to the role.
- Be truthful:
A bad interview etiquette is dishonesty. Candidates should be careful not to be dishonest or exaggerate their credentials and expertise. If the recruiter/hiring manager discovers the candidate is being dishonest or exaggerated his credentials; the candidate losses his chances of being employed as his credibility is called to question. The candidate is often given away by inconsistencies in his responses as opposed to his resume. Hence, candidates should be honest and sincere as possible, and not claim achievements, skills and qualifications that are not his.
- Don’t Brag and Dominate the Conversation:
It is a good interview etiquette to be conversational when selling yourself to the hiring manager and recruiter.
Nevertheless, the candidate should be careful not to dominate the conversation by bragging about his achievements and constantly interrupting the recruiter during the conversation. The recruiter/hiring manager may be put off by the constant bragging and rude interruptions, which may, in turn, reduce the candidate’s chances of securing the job.
- Ask Informed Questions:
Asking informed questions is good interview etiquette. Recruiters/hiring managers are often impressed with candidates who show interest in the job position and company by asking informed questions. Asking questions also shows courtesy, good manners, and intelligence on the part of the candidate.
The candidate should be careful to ask relevant questions important to the job position and company. The candidate should not ask unnecessary questions or questions he already has answers to. Unnecessary questions may reduce the candidates’ chances of securing the job as it creates an unfavorable impression on the recruiters/hiring managers.
- Follow-Up:
After the interview, it is good etiquette and quite within the candidate’s rights to follow up the outcome of the interview. The candidate can send follow-up emails and appreciation notes to the recruiter/hiring managers conveying their gratitude. The willingness of the candidate to follow-up the outcome of the job shows interest in the job position, which is good interview etiquette.
Good interview etiquettes and manners are important in securing a job. Good interview etiquette gives the candidate an edge over other candidates and aids to create a favourable impression on the recruiter/hiring manager. Therefore, candidates while preparing for interviews should not only prepare for the questions but also adoption of good manners and etiquettes during the interview.
