Importance of Etiquette to a Stellar Job Interview

For the majority of your life, someone has probably been teaching you etiquette. Our mothers taught us not to put our arms on the table and to chew with our mouths shut. Often, these etiquette rules cross geographical, social, and political boundaries. Ignoring social etiquette may cause you to be seen as crass or uncouth. Rules of etiquette also apply to job interviews.

What you say is only one part of a successful job interview. The interviewer(s) are also paying close attention to your non-verbal communications. Your non-verbal communications include how you dress, how you carry yourself, and how closely you adhere to social etiquette. These non-verbal cues are a crucial part of how you sell yourself to the interviewer(s).

The type of job you are seeking affects which non-verbal cues the interviewer(s) are looking for. If you are interviewing for a factory position then a collared shirt may be appropriate. If you are interviewing for a position dealing with clients or other executives then a suit would be more appropriate. A good rule of thumb is, the higher the position you are applying for the more the interviewer(s) will expect.

Eye contact is important. In the past, eye contact was seen as a sign of confidence. Eye contact also showed you were interested in both the conversation and the person. As political correctness has grown , the use of eye contact is diminished. People are afraid this may be construed as aggression or challenging a person. The diminished use of eye contact makes it even more important, during a job interview. Using eye contact can set you a part from other candidates who avoid it.

Do not have anything in your mouth. It is understandable to feel nervous during a job interview. Some people calm themselves by chewing on gum, a mint, or even a toothpick. It is important to refrain from doing this during the job interview. Having anything in your mouth goes back to "do not chew with your mouth open". There are very few interviewers that will not be turned off by this. Having something in your mouth may also distort your words. This distortion may make it hard for the interviewer(s) to understand you.

Work to build rapport with the interviewer(s). Research is crucial to any successful interview. In addition to finding out about the company, its mission, and past accomplishments, you should also find out who you will be interviewed by. This may be done either by asking when the interview is setup or by calling and asking a receptionist. Research will provide the interviewer(s) names. Allowing you to utilize the interviewer(s) names when meeting them and during the interview (as appropriate). Be careful, when using this technique ensure that you know how to say the name correctly. Utilizing the interviewer(s) names can build rapport but mispronouncing them can tear it down.

Send a Thank You note. You have probably used thank you notes after your birthday or wedding. Businesses have sent customers thank you notes after large purchases. Thank you notes are also appropriate after a job interview. Thank you note provides a chance to thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to meet with them. Sending a thank you note is also a good way to set yourself a part from other applicants.

During a job interview, adhering to a few simple etiquette rules will help make a lasting, positive impression. Pay attention to non-verbal cues. The interviewer(s) will look at such things as your dress, personal hygiene, and the words you use. Eye contact will illustrate that you are confident and interested in the interviewer(s). Do not have anything in your mouth. Do you research to help build rapport with the interviewer(s). After the interview, send the interviewer(s) a thank you note. Following these simple etiquette rules will help set you a part from other job applicants.