Job Interview Etiquette

Learning the correct Job Interview Etiquette is a basic but valuable skill.

It probably won’t get you the job, but poor etiquette will loose you the job.

No need to fear though; proper interview etiquette is easily learned.

Etiquette is simply the rules governing socially acceptable behaviour – interview behaviour.

Basically showing good interview manners.

Having prepared thoroughly (you have researched and prepared- right?) you are well on your way.

Job Interview Etiquette covers dress code – what to where for interview – interview etiquette suggests slightly overdress rather than dress to casual.

Clean tidy grooming, hands and nails clean, hair tidy and recently cut, minimum of perfume / cologne, and minimum jewellery.

Arrive 10 minutes early – not late – it may be cool for parties, but not interviews.

Turn your phone off before the interview. If you forget and it rings; don’t answer it or even check who called, simply apologies and turn it off immediately. No damage done.

Positive body language, firm open handshake (not too hard or too weak and milky), smile and maintain eye contact (without staring, or demonstrating record breaking non-blinking).

Don’t slouch, when seated. Good job interview etiquette says you should be alert and attentive, therefore sit slightly forward (as if you are struggling to hear) as this will look attentive and interested.

If your interview is over a meal, clearly there is more to go wrong, so if you know where you are going in advance and are nervous. Check out the restaurant first, understand the menu and layout.

Order simple to eat (not stringy pasta, or challenging crustaceans) medium priced options, not the most expensive.

Be polite. "Please" and "thank you" to your waitress / waiter as well as to your host.

Depending on the restaurant, you may be faced with a toolbox full of cutlery. If so remember what your mum told you!

How to remember what to use when.

Start at the outside and work your way in. Your salad fork will be on the far left, your entree fork will be next to it. Your dessert spoon and fork will be above your plate.

Liquids are on the right, solids on the left. For example, your water glass will be on the right and your bread plate will be on the left.

Put your napkin on your lap once everyone is seated.

Keep your elbows off the table, sit up straight, and don't talk with your mouth full!

If you order soup, spoon it away from you.

Break your bread roll into small pieces and eat it a piece at a time.

If you need to leave the table, put your napkin on the seat or the arm of your chair.

When you've finished eating, move your knife and fork to the "four o'clock" position so the waitress / waiter knows you're finished.

Remember to try and relax, listen, and participate in the conversation.

Do you drink- It's wise not to order alcohol during an interview. Interviewing is tough enough without adding alcohol to the mix.

After the Meal- Put your napkin on the table next to your plate.

The person who invited you will expect to pay both the bill and the tip.

On leaving- Remember to thank your interviewer /s after the meal / interview, by shaking hands, smiling and thanking them each by name (try your hardest to remember everyones name)for their time.

Send a brief thank you note afterwards – email is OK, but remember people get a lot of junk email, a posted, word processor produced simple thank you note, goes one step further (no need for fawning though).

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