You know you could be a great fit – or maybe you are reaching for the stars! Either way, you have made it to the job interview, and it is time to shine. Even if you have the skills and experience for the job, your behavior and soft skills could be the difference between an average showing and one that easily advances you to the next step in the process.
Master your interview etiquette, and you will not only give your prospective employer an easy decision, but also boost your confidence in the process. Soft skills account for 85 percent of business success.
1. Preparation: Research the company and interviewers. Read the website, newsletters, annual report and sales brochures. Visit with current employees. Visit the office, and determine travel time. Confirm pronunciations such as “Manchaca” and “Bexar” if you are unsure. And do not let your social media history be your downfall; recruiters and employers will check it! For example, the State of Florida is conducting social media reviews for applicants to the bar with a “history of troubling conduct.” The local government of Bozeman, Mont., even required employment candidates to submit a list of personal or business Web pages and memberships on Internet-based chat rooms, social clubs and forums. Applicants were then asked to list their login information, along with their passwords! Clean up postings, and remember that even deactivated content remains on the Facebook server.
2. Personal appearance: Studies show that clothing may account for 55 percent of a job candidate’s first impression. Understand corporate culture and dress appropriately. If you are unsure what that means, visit the firm or call to ask an HR representative. Show respect for the interviewer and the organization. In formal settings, suits should be neutral colors and shoes should be closed-toe. Men should wear socks and shave, and women should wear a little makeup. Even in less formal settings, cover tattoos and remove piercings for the interview. When in doubt, more traditional is the way to go.
3. First impressions: Normally it takes five seconds to make a first impression. In a job interview, you may have up to 30 seconds – and the observation may begin when parking, walking or riding the elevator. Smile and be positive to anyone you encounter from the moment you arrive. Do not arrive more than 10 minutes early. Be sure all ringers and alarms are turned off. If your PDA rings or beeps during an interview, reach down and turn it off immediately. Do not answer it under any circumstances. The best practice is to leave it in your vehicle and eliminate the risk.
4. Introductions: Be prepared to stand for all introductions with both women and men. Be sure to introduce yourself to the receptionist and the interviewer. There is nothing more awkward than someone asking who you are. “Hello, my name is Shannon Smith. I have a 10 o’clock appointment with Mr. Garza.” Remember, “hi” and “hey” are not professional and should not be used for greetings. Respond to introductions by acknowledging people, saying, “It is nice to meet you,” and thanking them for the opportunity to interview.
5. Honorifics and names: Be sure to refer to the interviewer as “Mr.,” “Ms.” or “Dr.” “Mrs.” does not exist in the business arena and is inappropriate when speaking to a female executive. Also, refrain from defaulting to a first name. Let the interviewer lead the way. If the interviewer says, “Please call me Jane,” then follow her lead. A helpful tip for remembering the interviewer’s name is to use it three times: first in greeting the interviewer, again in conversation and a third time verbally thanking the person for the interview.
6. Hot topics: Sex, religion, politics and money are hot topics to be avoided in the United States. Follow the lead of the interviewer or panel. Prepare for tough questions by reading “tough interview question” resource guides and enduring mock interviews. Be prepared for questions relating to the industry. Be aware of the power of silence; contribute whenever you have something to say, but do not just “fill the space” with comments.
7. Culture check: Do your homework. Does an applicant bow, kiss or shake hands with an interviewer from a different culture? Japanese and Korean executives bow from the waist, and Chinese executives bow from the shoulders. Avoid confusion with these greetings.
8. Handshakes and body language: Studies reveal 90 percent of a first impression is based on body language or nonverbal skills. Employers determine interest in the job through the applicant’s body language. Maintain open body language and good posture, and sit with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Relaxed posture does not show confidence; it shows a lack of respect and interest. If the culture is appropriate, shake hands with each interviewer twice – once upon arrival and again upon departure. Shake hands in a firm manner, connecting web-to-web. If possible, avoid shaking hands over a desk, as it forms a barrier. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer 40 to 60 percent of the time.
9. The thank-you trio: Thank the interviewer verbally at the beginning and end of the interview. Then remember to send a handwritten note in a handwritten envelope within 48 hours of the interview. This will set you apart in our digital world. Use personalized or quality stationery to thank the interviewer for his or her time, and to restate a positive point about the company.
Interviews are not without their stressful moments. But with the right etiquette tools under your belt, not only will you be able to focus on the substance of the interview, you will distinguish yourself from the competition.
For more information on corporate and individual training, contact Sharon Schweitzer, JD, Corporate Etiquette & International Protocol consultant and founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide LLC. Please visit www.protocolww.com or facebook.com/protocolww for more information. You may also contact Schweitzer at sharon@protocolww.com, 512-306-1845 or 512-431-5355, or follow her on Twitter@austinprotocol.
