Whether you’re a seasoned professional, new to the job market, or returning to work, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the basics of interview etiquette. Job seekers are more likely to slip up during their interviews than at any other time. Little subtleties in their personality or mannerisms aren’t so little. Everything is magnified in the interview process. That is why it is crucial to learn and practice proper interview etiquette.
Twelve Principles for Interview Etiquette
- Rehearse
Practicing your answers aloud is an incredibly effective way to prepare. Say them to yourself or ask a friend to help run through questions and answers. You will find that you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words. Next, prepare the answer to the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?” The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—it’s your personal elevator pitch. This pitch should be short and precise. A good rule of thumb is to keep it between 90-120 seconds. Memorize these in bullet point format.
- Research
Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with can help you confidently go into the interview. Using the company’s website, social media posts, and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the company’s goals and if you would be a good fit. In addition, if you have a friend who works for the company, they can help immensely with the most pertinent information.
- Confident Interaction Techniques
It is important to smile, make eye contact, and have a friendly, firm handshake. There is never a second chance to make a first impression. The lack of eye contact or smiling denotes a lack of confidence in oneself, and an interviewer will consciously or subconsciously pick up on that.
- Arrive 15 Minutes Early
Arriving early gives you a chance to fill out any paperwork, use the restroom and get water before the interview. Arriving too early can be a red flag for the employer that you’re too eager or lacks self-awareness. Conversely, arriving too late shows you’re not reliable.
- Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Employers expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you’re thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there. So here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:
- Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?
- How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
- If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?
- What departments does this teamwork with regularly?
- How do these departments typically collaborate?
- What does that process look like?
- What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?
- Come Prepared to Discuss Salary Expectations
Discussing salary may seem awkward, but people work to make a living. Lump this question in with the others you have for the employer. A good way to breach the subject is possibly asking, “I noticed there wasn’t a compensation range listed on the job posting. Can you tell me more about the salary and compensation range here?” Or if they had a range, spin the question as “I noticed you had a salary range of ____ to _____. Can you help me understand how you determine that range, and are there any other benefits that were not listed on the posting?”
- Don’t Speak Negatively of Your Previous Employer
Even if an interviewer asks a question to solicit a negative response, you should only talk positively about their experience. Speaking negatively of a previous employer may be used against you in the long run. Furthermore, it’s a sign to an employer that you could end up being cancer to their organization.
- Be Ready to Clarify
Things such as frequent job changes, long gaps between employment, or details about the exact experience will be some of the top questions interviewers have. There will be questions about why you left their job as well. They may even ask about salary or other benefits. You should go through and think of questions about their resume, write them down and then write down an answer.
- Know Your Strengths
This is one of the most significant parts to rehearse. Many candidates don’t know the specific strengths or areas of expertise they can bring to the job. This is when a personality profile assessment that helps someone see their strengths would come in handy. There are many free profiles online. You could also ask trusted friends and colleagues what they see as your strengths. It’s essential to have this rehearsed with 2-3 strengths memorized and 1-2 areas of expertise ready to share.
- Know How to Talk about Your Weaknesses
This is another critical part to rehearse. If you’re unsure of your weaknesses, you need to ask a close friend or reach out to a previous employer. Hearing weaknesses hurts at first but will help you develop better self-awareness. When rehearsing the weakness, it’s important not to sell it as a strength. For example, someone may say, “I’m too committed. I’m too detailed. I’m too truthful.” Answering like this signals to an employer that the candidate doesn’t see their weakness as a weakness. Instead, say, “At times, my attention to detail can come off as ‘nitpicking’ or ‘micro-managing. However, I’ve learned that I don’t need to be so critical of others, and providing encouragement can be more helpful. I’ve learned to let things go that don’t matter.” This answer shows the employer that you’re self-aware, humble, and have grown.
- Better to Overdress Than Under
When in doubt, you should always overdress for the interview. Business casual is the standard for most job interviews, but if you aren’t used to dressing up for interviews, you may need some help from a friend. In addition, it’s essential to make sure the clothes aren’t wrinkled, fit properly, and the shoes are clean.
- Write a Post-Interview Thank You Note
Always send a handwritten note to the employer, thanking them for the interview. If they didn’t choose you, but complications arise during the hiring process for the selected candidate, this could help open the door. It sends the message that the candidate is grateful and goes the extra mile.
Interviews can be anxiety-inducing for anyone who doesn’t know what to expect. However, learning what to rehearse, questions to ask, and what will comprise an interview can help alleviate any anxiety to ensure a great interview. The key is preparation. The candidate who prepares the most will make the best impression. And each interview should be an opportunity to improve your skills and talking points. The only way to truly fail at an interview is to prepare poorly and not learn how to improve for the next one. Interview etiquette isn’t some secret or unreachable standard you don’t have access to. Most interviews have the same format and are predictable for those who have taken the time to prep.
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