Interview Etiquette – Self Improvement Article

Be Punctual: Punctuality demonstrates courtesy to the interviewer. It also reflects your professional character. If there is a valid reason for being late, call and let the interviewer know your situation. Arriving five minutes early is about right. Don’t end up rushing and getting in a fluster. If you are held up with no fault of you own, ring the employer directly.

Be Courteous & Polite: Always be polite and friendly to everybody, especially the receptionist and secretary-they may well as consulted in the selection process.

Pronunciation of Names: Pronounce the interviewer’s name correctly. Ask to have it repeated it you’re not certain.

Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact when speaking to or being spoken to. Eye contact is reflective of being assertive and self-confident. This is particularly important while discussing your personal attributers, skills, interests and abilities.

Be assertive, but not aggressive: When asked a general question, be prepared to take the lead highlight specific qualifications.

Hands: Feel free to gesture with your hands. You may fold them on the table or in your lap. Do not use them to prop your chin. This often applies pressure to the jaw and inhibits lucid enunciation. Never criticise past employers.

Dress appropriately: make sure you look the part the organisation for which you are applying.

Relax: try to let your confidence show.

Don’t forget your place: Do not be overly personal with the interviewer and do not discuss issues unrelated to the job at hand. It is not necessary to compliment the interviewer’s appearance, name-drop or risk them personal questions about him or herself.

Be precise and-the point: Answer questions that are asked to you in a brief but concise manner and do not give unnecessary information.

Don’t put your conditions forward: It is very unwise to express your “terms” in a first interview, that is, telling an interviewer you will not work after 5:00pm or about leaves etc. Save these discussions for final round of interview.

Be prepared: Eat something before you go so that a rumbling stomach does not interrupt you. Make sure you have a pen, an extra copy of your resume and quick access to updated reference information.

Don’t make jokes: (although a limited amount of humour is alright), don’t talk ill of your previous employer, or tell obvious lies about your work experience, achievements, and salary.

Don’t smoke: chew supari, tobacco or gum.