Job Interview Manners and Etiquette

Once you’ve written a great CV, been offered an interview and thoroughly prepared it is your job to wow your prospective employer in an interview. There are certain things a job seeker can do to improve their chances.

Timekeeping – It is best to be at about 10 minutes early for your interview. Being late is seriously bad manners and can make an employer think you have bad timekeeping skills. If you are going to be late make sure you phone the company or recruitment consultant and apologise.

Present yourself properly - Prior to the interview find out what the dress code is and also ask yourself what the person you'll be meeting is likely to wear. If in doubt always wear a conservative suit. It is always better to be overdressed than under dressed in an interview. Women should use only a minimal amount of make up and too much perfume, cologne or too little deodorant can all be big turn off.

Body Language - You only get one chance to make a first impression. Give each interviewer a firm handshake and look them in the eye. Let the interviewer take the lead and smile throughout the meeting.

Mind your Manners - The manner in which you present yourself and behave reflect on your professionalism during a job interview. Make sure you switch off your mobile phone (if you do forget under no circumstances answer a call in an interview) and don’t chew gum.

Respect the Interviewer – Keep in the back of your mind that this is a job interview. No matter how well you get on with the interviewer don’t use swear words and remain polite and courteous at all times.

Need to Cancel - If you can’t attend the interview it is common courtesy to give your recruitment consultant or the company a call to let them know as early as possible.

Dining Etiquette – At a dining table your bread and butter plate are on your left, above your fork. Your wine and water glasses are on the right above your spoon. Your silverware should be used from the outside in and wait until everyone has been served before you eat. When your host picks up their cutlery you should follow.

Say Thank you - Make sure you pick up business cards or contact details of those interviewing you so that you can write a thank you letter or email after your interview. A thank you note can show how keen you are and will leave a great impression.