Have you always dreaded job or work interviews because tension just gets into your nerves and sometimes you do not know what to do? Are you currently looking for work and preparing yourself for an interview? When we think of interviews, we immediately associate it with job application process. The fact is that interviews can happen anytime at work. In a work meeting or team discussion, the act of asking questions and interrogating is already interview in itself. But let us take the general and common concept of a typical interview in this article.
So, individuals get interviewed when applying for a job, getting a promotion, or facilitating a session. Being the interviewee, you must know the proper etiquette in order to gain a successful interview. If you want to gain a competitive edge over the others in an interview, learn what manners to portray and how to display proper behavior.
Appear Physically Pleasant and Decent
Proper interview etiquette requires interviewees to be in their appropriate manner of dressing, attire that is fitting to the environment around you. But to be safe, dress up just a step above the required standards. For instance, if people wear jeans and shirt, wear slacks matched with a coat and tie. If people are mostly in their suit, be in your best suit.
Always remember not to overdress and under-dress as well. Inappropriate job interview attire distracts attention when the focus should be on you and your skills. Even with the trend in workplaces going casual, good and pleasing appearance still create a big impact on employers.
Along with dressing well and decently, neatness in the appearance matters a lot, too. Clothes should well-pressed and aptly worn. Check for missing buttons, damaged zippers, tear, and loose thread along the hem. Shoes should be polished and must be appropriate for the occasion.
A pair of black shoes for men is a neutral and safe color that goes along with any color of the suit. Ladies must refrain from shoe colors that are too bright especially if it does not complement the dress worn. Hair should be well-combed and nails must be properly trimmed. Keep the make-up and cologne or perfume scent light.
Proper Manners and Nonverbal Cues in an Interview
A professional has a keen sense of time. So, at an interview, being punctual is a must. Arrive fifteen minutes before the schedule. Estimate your travel time to avoid being late. Show the interviewers how much you value time. If you want to get that good first impression, being tardy is not the way to do it.
Nonverbal communication is very crucial in an interview because it is a face-to-face dialogue. A firm handshake creates a feeling of comfort between you and your interviewer. When the interview starts, do not slouch on your seat but keep an upright figure and always maintain eye contact with the person. Looking the interviewer in the eye projects a trusting gesture. Facial expression is as important as proper body movements so keep it controlled and managed. When responding, sound enthusiastic instead of lousy and monotonous.
Address you interviewer by their name but keep it in moderation. This is a good technique in building rapport and showing active listening. Once the interview is done, never forget to thank the interviewer for the time and the opportunity.
The No No’s in an Interview
What should you not do or manifest in a work interview? There are behaviors that must not be displayed if you aim to make the interview a success.
First, do not get caught unprepared for the big thing. Appear knowledgeable by researching on the subject of the interview which is usually about the company, the nature of your work, and the current situation. Secondly, if you are applying for a job opening, do not damage the reputation of your previous employer or say anything unpleasant about them.
Doing so will only make you appear untrusting and unreliable. Next, do not lie or fake your answers to the questions asked. Have a sense of integrity on yourself. Lastly, never brag or oversell yourself to the interviewers. Be humble enough and just let the employer realize your potential by the way you deal with the interview and the professional demeanor you demonstrate
