Interview Etiquette
Your CV has successfully found its way to the top of the pile and you have been invited to come and meet your prospective new employer. They know your skills and experience and believe that you could be the right person for the job. All you have to do now is get through the interview and you will be half-way to getting the job that you want. But, do you know what you should say and do at your interview, what etiquette befits the situation and what will give you a competitive edge over your competition?
The Oxford English Dictionary describes "etiquette‟ as “The code of polite behaviour in a society.” So, if you are uncertain of what is deemed as appropriate interview etiquette, here are some useful guidelines to help you excel at your next interview.
Dress appropriately
Be conservative and err on the side of caution. If the company does not have a specific dress code, then it's better to overdress than under dress. To take the guesswork out of choosing the appropriate attire, you should dress a step above the norm of that environment. For instance, if most people wear jeans and t-shirt, then you should wear trousers and a shirt. Everyone wears trousers and shirt? Wear a suit.
“Women are advised to stay away from slinky dresses, low-plunging necklines, short skirts or tight-fitting trousers,” says workplace etiquette expert, Pamela Holland.
Similarly, “Men should refrain from unbuttoning more than two buttons on their shirts and wearing overly fitted shirts that show off their muscles,” added Holland. As Shakespeare said, Apparel oft proclaims the man.
Be on time
There is no exception to this rule and no excuses. Most employers will assume that if you are late for your interview, you will be late for work, late for that all-important client meeting, that you are disorganised or, worse still, you are rude. So, plan your route and give yourself plenty of time to collate your thoughts and get mentally prepared for the interview ahead.
Take note of that handshake
The handshake is an important component of the first impressions that a potential employer will form of you. Indeed, psychologists suggest a correlation between an individual‟s handshake and their personality.
The eminent psychologist, A. Vanderbilt, argued that a handshake is “as much a part of personality as the way we walk and, although we may modify and improve a poor handshake if someone calls our attention to it, it will usually be just like us, assured or timid, warm or cool.”
So, make sure that you create the right first impression with a firm handshake with a steady grip, and avoid a limp, cold or clammy handshake that can make your interviewer feel uncomfortable. “Nothing creates a poorer impression than a weak, couple-of-fingers handshake”.
Inspire confidence and avoid bragging or lying
Interviews are designed to give you the opportunity to sell You PLC. And employers are looking to you to convince them that you are confident, competent in what you do and able to fit in with their culture. So, when asked questions, you need to be aware of why they are asking those questions.
“Fill your answers with specifics and frequently give examples of how you've done things well in the past,” advises Robin Ryan. “Employers aren‟t impressed with vague generalities. Be detailed but concise when you answer.”
And avoid exaggerating your claims. Don't respond like the character Helen Marsh on The Catherine Tate Show, who responds with "I can do that‟ to everything that is asked of her, when she has no idea what she is doing and is of no help to anyone.
Remember, most employers will check to see if your claims are justified because they need to ensure that they are going to get a return on their investment if they hire you.
Turn it off!
If you cannot respect the most basic social graces at interview stage, then no employer will hire you. Peeking at your mobile phone or BlackBerry at any stage of the interview is a bad idea. And if you keep it switched on, and it rings, you will be tempted to see who the caller is. This is not only rude, it is also a clear signal to your interviewer that you are easily distracted and unable to focus on the immediate task.
Why not check out some more advice -
Five job interview Tips?
Copyright © 2008 Paul MacKenzie-Cummins
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