 The
Etiquette of The Job Interview
Talk about first impressions! The job interview is nothing but passing
a series of first impressions" tests. In this section, we will
give you some guidelines of how to conduct yourself during the interview
in order to make the best possible impression on your interviewees.
For starters, review both the sections on attire and grooming carefully,
and the section on dining etiquette thoroughly. The first impression
you give to your potential boss will be through your dress, and
the way you greet him or her, and often an initial meeting will
involve a meal, so be certain to read those sections prior to setting
out for an interview. All the rules you learned in those sections
will come in hand during your interview.
Once you arrive to your interview, there are a few things to keep
in mind:
First, be on time. There is no excuse to be late to a job interview.
Plan to arrive 20 minutes early.
Second, while you are waiting for the interview to start, you will
have an opportunity to make impressions with other employees of
the firm. For instance, even though the receptionist or secretary
may not be part of the formal interview process, these employees
often influence hiring decisions. If he or she notices rude or unprofessional
behavior in the reception area while you're waiting to be interviewed,
most likely that information will be passed on to the interviewer
after you leave. Things NOT TO DO while waiting for the interview
to start include:
Ignoring a receptionist's attempts to talk to you
Bringing someone with you
Smoking, eating or chewing gum
Asking to use the phone
Listening to a walkman or portable stereo
Reading a book or magazine of poor taste
Applying makeup or brushing your hair
Pestering or distracting employees as they pass
through
Once you are greeted by the interviewer, remember
your rules about hand shaking and greeting. Introduce yourself properly
and make good eye contact. Use a firm handshake and greet your interviewer
by name. Whenever possible, use the interviewer's name during the
interview. Good eye contact helps convey a positive, honest image.
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