20 Rules of Job Interview Etiquette

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Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned professional, fine-tuning your job interview etiquette basics will never hurt.

Therefore, follow these tips to move forward the right way throughout the interview process and make the top of the recruiter’s selection list.

Top 20 Job Interview Etiquette Tips

Job interviews can be taxing. However, you can ace them easily if you know the spot-on interview etiquette. Check out the tips discussed below to make your interview a success!

1. Be on time

Being too late for a job interview is not an option until you get caught up in a grave situation. However, inform your hiring manager about the same with the expected time you can reach the interview venue. It shows that you respect their time. Arriving at the interview venue at least 15 minutes before the interview is the safest option.

2. Dress Appropriately

It’s as simple as ABC. If you arrive dressed too formally or too casually, it may feel way too uncomfortable for both of you. Therefore, keep your dressing style appropriate for the interview. It can be different for an IT job and a fashion industry job.

3. Maintain an Appropriate Tone of Voice

The best way to make them understand that you understand the job duties well is through your tone of voice. Be assertive throughout the interview, avoid using many filler words, pause before answering to collect your thoughts, and don’t apologise for being nervous.

4. Turn Off Your Cell Phone

Keeping your electronic devices on normal or setting them in vibration mode may interrupt your interview. Therefore, switch off your cell phones or iPads until you get out of the interview room.

5. Greet Your Interviewer as Ms or Mr

When your interviewer has given their first and last name, greet them with their title (Mr or Ms) and last name. If you don’t know their full name, you can address them with their title and first name. 

6. Give a Firm Shake Hand to Everyone

Use a firm but not a forceful grip for a warm handshake while making direct eye contact with them. It’s a basic etiquette you can follow anywhere while greeting people.

7. Introduce Yourself

Introduce yourself to the receptionist and everyone you meet in the organisation. It shows you have a positive attitude and you like gelling up with people, which is a quality most employers look for.

8. Avoid Placing Your Lose Items on the Chair or the Interview Table

You can place your loose items on the floor near your seat, on the side table, coffee table or drawers (if available), on your lap, or in front of a conference table. However, you can keep your briefcase or bag at your feet, not on a table or chair.

9. Consider Taking Notes

Right before the interview, ask if you can take notes of important points to set up some small talk. Though it’s not expected, it may help you refer back to some important information later on, and also it shows that you are genuinely interested in the interview.

10. Keep a Positive and Friendly Attitude

Everyone likes the positive and friendly vibes, and so do the interviewers. Stay positive throughout the interview and show you are enthusiastic about working there in the future.

11. Do Not Ask for Refreshments

If refreshments are getting offered, you can accept them. Also, if dining out is a part of your job interview, show good table etiquette. However, avoid asking for refreshments just because you are feeling like munching. 

12. Let the Company Lead the Interview

Avoid being over confident and talkative during your interview. Let the company take the lead. You focus on performing well enough to get the role.

13. Sit Up Straight, Slightly Leaning Forward

It shows you are interested in the interview and are attentively listening to what the interviewer is saying. It also shows your eagerness and enthusiasm to learn, understand, and be in the moment.

14. Portray a Positive Body Language

What you actually feel and observe gets reflected through your body language. Which means your body language communicates more than your words do. Therefore, you must pay attention to how you are sitting, walking, and speaking. Last but not least, stay relaxed but attentive.

15. Ask Well Prepared Questions

There are some obvious questions most of the interviewers ask, so prepare for them in advance. If you don’t know them, you can learn them here or google them. Also, your recruiter may ask something out of the blue or something personal. Don’t get nervous or embarrassed. Take a deep breath and answer accordingly. If you are unsure about the answer, you can ask for some time or request to pass it.

16. Listen Carefully to the Interviewer

Remember, you won’t always have much time to answer, so pay attention to your interviewer’s hints and act accordingly. Also, check for signs that they understand you. If you think there might be some gap, you can ask for a quick explanation, but not every time.

17. Keep Pursuing the Job Even If the Interview is Not Going Well

You don’t know if you will get selected or not until you get the final call. Therefore, even if your interview is not going well, keep focusing on the process and try your best to grab that role. Sometimes, your zeal and how you behave during tough times can carve your way out, rather than how much you know or how beautifully you answered.

18. No Interview is Complete without a Thank You Note

Even if you are out of the interview room, don’t get into the chill mode and think it’s over until you send them a customised thank you note via email. It shows your interest in the job and gives you a second chance to cover up for things you missed during your interview. However, keep it short.

19. Bring a Hard Copy of Your Updated Resume

Though we are already living in the digital era, bridging hard copies of interviews is still the norm. 

20. Wait for the Job Interviewer to Discuss the Salary and Benefits

Don’t ask about the salary and benefits in response to ‘Do you have any questions?’ Wait for the hiring manager to start this conversation. 

Conclusion: Focus and Remember – Keep Trying Until You Get Your Favourite Job

Don’t lose your focus even for a second during your interview. Remember the above etiquette tips, and you are ready to nail your job interview. Follow Remark Jobs for more interview tips. And if you are looking for a job or job change, get registered today.