The Top 10
Interview Tips From An Etiquette Professional
Are you a recent graduate about to start interviewing for
your first real job? Have you been in the workforce for a while now and looking
to do something different? Well, interviewing is part of this process. As
simple as it seems, there are certain things that will help you make a better
impression with the company you are interviewing with. Positive impressions are
more likely to get you the job. So, Northeast Consulting Group, Inc. decided to
take a look at this artice3 from Nancy R. Mitchell about having proper
interviewing etiquette.
When you are going into a company for an interview, your
attitude and behavior towards others is just as important as your resume, your
previous work experience3, and your innate abilities. Today, more people are
too worried about the look and appearance of their resume rather than their
manners. What people don’t realize is that companies that are hiring aren’t
just concerned with a resume, but finding someone to be a part of their
“business family.” They look for things like: courtesy, respect, trust, and
reliability. These are the foundation of good relationships which translate to
success in business.
Here are the top 10 things that you should avoid when you’re
going in to interview for a job.
1. There are no “do-overs” in first impressions
You make a first impression with 5 seconds. When you’re
interviewing for a position, you are given a little more leeway. But, that time
to make your first impression with an employer happens within your first 30
seconds. This means that you’re on stage the second you walk into the building
where your interview is being held. You never know who is around. You could be
walking in with a representative in the company or in the elevator with them.
The first thing you should do is turn off your phone before you arrive. There
is nothing worse than introducing yourself to someone only to hear your phone
start ringing from a call, chiming from a text or email, or vibrating loudly in
your pocket. When you arrive, smile and shake the hand of the person who is
there to greet you as well as the person who escorts you to your interview.
When you enter the interview room, make an impression! You need to have enough
enthusiasm and energy to mask your nervousness.
2. Avoid wardrobe malfunctions!
Always dress up and conservatively for a job interview.
Whether the job is at a corporate building, a fast-food restaurant, or a
relaxed environment, your goal should always be to dress to impress your
employer. When you were growing up your family probably told you to dress up
for holidays, to go visit family, or for a big family occasion, right? The
reasoning behind it was to show respect. It’s the same concept when you go in
for an interview. How much you “polish up” shows the person who conducts your
interview that you respect them and the interview process.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of a smile
No matter how “sharp” someone may seem on paper, they need
to match that in person. Going into a 30-40 minute interview with someone and
not flashing a smile can hurt your chances of getting a position. Your employer
will be distracted by wondering what is wrong with you rather than being able
to conduct an effective interview for you. A smile shows confidence and an
overall pleasant personality. It makes people want to get to know you and be
around you. When you’re interviewing, you’re not just going in to get a job,
you’re about to enter a business family.
4. Body language speaks volumes
Employers will judge your interest and attitude in a
position through your body language just as much as from what you do, say, and
what is on your resume. The right thing to do during an interview is to sit up
straight and have your feet on the floor. Many people think that a “relaxed
pose” shows confidence, but in reality it shows a lack of respect or interest
in the position. Also, pay attention to where you put your hands, DO NOT have
your hands on your lap under the table, you’ll look nervous. You should have
one arm on the rest of the chair or on the table. Just as important as your
body language is your eye contact. You should face the person who is speaking
with you and maintain eye contact. If
you’re a someone who struggles to sit still, hold a pen or pencil if that helps
you control it.
5. Mastering the art of “Meet & Greet”
How you greet someone reveals a great deal about your
confidence, attitude, and overall demeanor. Learn how to give a GOOD HANDSHAKE.
You should always stand for a handshake in business and give yourself space
from the person. Maintain open posture, smile, and make eye contact. Also,
don’t forget to say your name!
6. Use your interviewer’s name
The sweetest sound that people here is their name. So, us
the person who is interviewers name when you meet them and when you leave. You
don’t need to sprinkle their name in multiple times throughout the interview,
but you should remember what it is.
7. Table Talk
After you go in for your interview, always stand behind the
chair and wait to be asked to take a seat. Never place your personal items on
the table; you should always place them under your chair or beside you. The
only thing on the table should be a portfolio if you have one and a pen.
8. Your phone should never ring
If you have somehow forgotten to turn off your phone and
you’re unfortunate enough to have it ring during an interview, you have to do
some serious damage control. NEVER answer your phone, simply reach down and
turn it off! Then apologize sincerely. At this point you have to show why you
are the top candidate for the position so that your lack of preparation for the
interview is not what your interviewer remembers.
9. Exit Strategy
When the interview is completed, always reinforce your
interest in the position and thank your interviewer for taking time out of
their day to meet with you. Make eye contact and shake hands with your
interviewer and use their name when you tell them goodbye. If possible, thank
the person who greeted you when you arrive as well. This simply, is just good manners.
You should have a smile on your face until you are completely out of the
building, in your car, and on the road to go home!
10. Post game play
Write a small thank you note to your interviewer within
24-48 hours of the interview. It shows good manners, interest in the position,
and that you’ve appreciated the time they have taken out of their day to meet
with you for your interview. During your interview make sure you show your people skills.
When your interviewer likes you, they will “pull” for you to do well. They will
even answer your questions more thoroughly and even relax around you. All of
these things will help you to succeed in your interview.
All of these tips are not intended to say that a strong
resume is not important, but it’s a way to give yourself the edge over the
other person interviewing with you who didn’t take as much care in preparing
for the interview as you did!
Northeast Consulting Group, Inc. is a privately owned marketing company that specializes in public relations and brand building for our clients. We are committed to providing an opportunity for our people to advance into management within our company. To learn more about Northeast Consulting Group, Inc. and our career opportunities, please visit our website: www.ncg-corp.com
