Etiquette at interviews is a crucial part of a successful job hunt. Follow these simple tips and strategies for effective interviews, from preparation to delivery.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: Learn and practice. Knowledge is power. Knowing as much as possible about the company can make your interview more interactive and it may just be what you need to give you that winning edge over your competition.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS: Dress like a person who already has got the job. When in doubt, it's better to be overdressed. Choose a solid-colour conservative suit, with a co-coordinated shirt or blouse. Wear comfortable, well-polished shoes. Make sure your hair is neat and nails wellgroomed (ladies, use a solid colour nailpolish — surprisingly, red is considered a professional colour). Go easy on the perfume; you don’t want to gag your interviewer. And don’t forget a mild deodorant. Small and dainty jewellery is enough; leave all your piercings behind. Have a dress rehearsal the day before.
AT THE INTERVIEW: Arrive early — at least 10 minutes before scheduled time. Being late can make your employer think that you’ll default on all deadlines. Besides, you can use the extra time to relax and fill out any application forms. Turn off your cellphone or keep it silent. Treat everyone with respect; you never know who will be involved in the recruitment process. Be professional and assertive, with confident body language — regardless of the butterflies in your tummy. Greet each interviewer with a firm and non-clammy handshake. Address each one by name as he or she is introduced to you.
Respect company culture. Be polite and courteous and let the interviewer take the lead. Sit when you’re requested to be seated; sit upright on the chair. Avoid crossing your legs (women can cross their ankles; men should have their feet firmly planted on the ground). It is preferable to refuse any offer for beverages. Carry a copy of your resume and all your certificates as well. Keep your portfolio on your lap or, if it’s huge, place it on the floor resting against your chair — for easy access.
Always make eye contact with the person speaking with you. The one social skill that wins instant appreciation is “enthusiasm”. An engaging personality, in social milieu, is “charming”, but in the professional world it’s “competence”. Your answers, short, crisp and to-the-point, should convey that you can do more for them than they can for you. Modesty and quiet charm are not successful qualities here. The best interviewee should, unabashedly, sing his/her own praises and not appear crass.
POST INTERVIEW: Arise when you receive an indication that the interview has been concluded. Shake each interviewer’s hand and thank each one by name. Send a thank-you note to the interviewer later; it’s important that this note reach them latest by noon the next day. Finally, research shows that ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decisions are made within the first few minutes of a job interview. Therefore, in my opinion, understanding the etiquette required at interviews is the key to crossing the first hurdle.
