10 Important Interview Etiquettes for Job Seekers

A recent research indicated that 24% of candidates (first time job seekers) are rejected in interviews due to lack of proper interview etiquettes. (Other major reasons include low communication skills and dearth of adequate technical abilities.) The word etiquette is defined as ‘the manners established by convention as acceptable or required in society and businesses’. Well-mannered job-seekers gain edge in interviews because proper etiquettes win the hearts and minds of hiring managers, especially compared to those job-seekers who are either rude or simply unaware of basic facts pertaining to good mannerism. If you havesuccessfully managed to secure a jobinterview, you are already one step closer to get hired, but as we all know that recruitment is a complex process, therefore it is important for you to minimize the probabilities of elimination and at the same time maximize your chances of selection. Here is a list of some important interview etiquettes which have proved to be very helpful for jobseekers.

First impression is your last impression: Interviewer forms an impression of you within the first few seconds, so your first impression counts! Your resume should be crisp and to the point, you should always do a little customization to your resume and then present it. Display an optimistic attitude when you present yourself to employers. Your body language can change the outcome of the interview. Your posture and how you sit or walk can convey either self-confidence or uncertainty. Be sure to sit upright, face the interviewer, and maintain eye contact. Practice assertive listening skills. Your cell phone should be turned off and out of sight. You don’t want to be the applicant whose social media alerts, text messages or calls disrupted the interview.

Always be on time: Recruiters always look for people who are punctual and conscientious about appointments. 10 to 15 minutes early is an acceptable arrival time. One who is punctual is expected to be good at time management and thus meet the targets. Thus punctuality always earns you good marks. Don’t forget your interview actually begins the moment you enter the company!

Attire or professional appearance:  By definition interview is a highly professional meeting demanding professional attire. Be sure you look right for the role: neat, competent, and reliable. This tells the interviewer that you regard employers. If you’re applying for a job in a more casual environment, it’s still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer. When two equally qualified candidates are being considered, the one with a positive attitude is often chosen.

Know about the job profile and company:  You should collect as much information about the company as you can. Your knowledge about the company shows your level of awareness, interest and enthusiasm in working with the company you are going for an interview with. Basic knowledge about the company will prepare you for many generic questions. Discuss its products and services, competitors, reputation, etc. Moreover, study the qualifications specified in the job description to avoid using generalities in an interview.

Self-Awareness:A thumb rule is that recruiters and hiring managers want to hire the best candidates for an open position. They look at hard skills, (technical, business-related) and soft skills (communication, conflict resolution, team skills) needed to get the job done. It is not unusual to hire a person who may be lacking one or two of the listed requirements for a position. They look for a candidate who exhibits a high level of self-awareness. Are they able to do the job well? Do they have desire and ability to learn? Before the interview, re-read your resume. Look at your skills and accomplishment statements. Prepare before you go to the interview, and you’ll convey self-confidence when talking about yourself.

Be yourself: Employers hire people who not only have the skills and abilities to do the job, but whom they believe will “fit” into their organization. Job qualifications are important, but so are displaying a positive attitude with absolute honesty, observing courtesies and professionalism. One key element of job interview etiquette is to be truthful so avoid false or half cooked statements.If an interviewer discovers that you are lying, then he will not want to employ you, and often inconsistencies may give you a way. Honesty also impacts how much you can claim you have done yourself. While you want to claim credit for what you have done, don’t overdo it because this could also be seen as lying, and the interviewer will not like this.Hiring managers like to hire people who are likeable and will interact well with other company employees in a decent and truthful manner. Remember recruiters are trained to read false expressions and fake behaviors!

Be Confident and have patience:Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and introduce yourself. Be prepared for a little small talk, but don’t overdo it.If you spend some time in preparation and then do a little practice, the right words should come easily. Always remember, much of what you say will be conveyed by your manner, not your words. Answers should be straight and brief. Many Interviewers probe at testing your patience and stability to check whether you have perseverance and stay calm in adverse situations and find solutions. So stay calm and be patient during the interview and never loose heart easily.

Ask one or two questions: Recruiters generally ask if you have any questions to know your level of knowledge and determination towards job, therefore asking questions shows interest in the company and the job. This is your opportunity to determine if this company is a fit for you, so never miss it.

Practice makes everyone perfect: Practice writing the appropriate answers to frequently asked interview questions. Practice by speaking into a recorder (on your mobile or computer) or in front of a mirror. Work with someone to practice what you’ll say and how will you answer. This will help you feel more comfortable and convey self-confidence during the interview.

Energy and Enthusiasm: Before you leave,express enthusiasm. Tell the interviewer that you are interested in being considered for the job. Ask how he/she feels about your qualifications. Clarify any final questions or doubts. Tell him/her you will check back in a week or so.

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