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Interview Etiquette

Interview etiquette refers to how you carry yourself during an interview.

How should you handle yourself during an interview?

What should you wear?

What should you say?

I can't stress the importance of ensuring you look and act your best during all job interviews. The smallest things can cost you in ways you can't imagine.

Even something like how you shake hands with the interviewer, showing up several minutes late or not dressing properly can't cost you jobs.

As you get more comfortable with interviewing, many of these tips will become common nature and you won't need to think twice about them.

There are some little things that you might not consider or might not be sure how to approach when it comes to interviewing.

Always treat each interview situation differently: depending on what industry, company or job you are applying for, it can significantly impact what you say and how you act during an interview.

Here are some tips to follow to ensure you look and sound your best during interviews:

Interview Etiquette In Advance of the Interview

  • Ensure you are clean and shaved (if male).
  • Remember that it's better to overdress than underdress.
  • Bring several typed and updated copies of your resume to the interview.
  • Ensure you give yourself enough time to get to the interview.

    • Interview Etiquette For the Interview

  • Arrive 10 minutes before the interview starts but don't arrive any earlier than this.
  • Treat the receptionist (or whoever greets you when you arrive at the company) with respect.
  • You never know what role they might have in the hiring process.
  • Ensure that your cellphone or any other electronic devices are shut off.
  • Offer a nice firm handshake with the person you are interviewing with, look them in the eyes as you are introduced and address them by name during the interview.
  • If the interviewer engages in small talk, ensure you answer the questions briefly.
  • Answer interview questions succinctly. Use short answers and try not to ramble.

    • Interview Etiquette After the Interview

  • Ensure that you thank and shake hands with everyone you interview with.
  • Send a short thank you email or letter to each person you met with as soon as you arrive home.

    • Phone Interview Etiquette

    If you are having a phone interview, remember that etiquette applies here, too! Here are some phone interview etiquette tips:

  • Ensure that you are in a quiet place when the phone interview occurs.
  • Ensure that you answer the phone at the time the interview takes place. Don't miss the call!
  • Don't get distracted during the interview. Ensure you are alone and can't be distracted by anyone or anything.

    • If you're looking for more information on phone interviews check out my phone interview page for more info!

    Let's continue your job interview preparation by discussing Legal Interview Questions!

    Return from Interview Etiquette to Job Interview Techniques

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