Interviews are tricky when it comes to etiquette; you want to appear enthusiastic, but you also don’t want to appear too eager and desperate. Proper etiquette works both sides of the table; as in interviewer you want to appear professional and friendly, but as an applicant going for an interview first impressions are very important, so it’s up to you to impress the employer. A lot of the time interview etiquette and greetings are common sense, but for those who are not used to formal meetings, appearing professional can sometimes be a challenge. Here are interview etiquette myths that have been solved.
Phone Interview
If you are having a phone interview with an employer, it is important to sound enthusiastic and happy. First meetings over the phone are tricky because you don’t have any idea what the person you are talking to is like, or looks like – you are in theory talking to a complete stranger. When talking on the phone, don’t sound bored or gloomy, as this is a major put off, instead, sound confident and cheerful, but not so confident that you talk over the employer. If you are an employer make sure to reassure the applicant that this phone call is just a chat – this should calm their nerves. At the end of the phone call make it clear that you are looking forward to meeting them, and thank them for their time.
First greeting
First impressions are very important in interviews as they show what sort of person you are; professional greetings are used in job interviews, a simple hello, a friendly smile, and a firm handshake will give the best first impression to an employer. For employers make sure to ask how their day has been, and offer them a drink before the interview. Formal first greetings are common sense, as you wouldn’t greet them with a hug and a kiss. When the employer offers you a drink make sure to say ‘thank you’.
The Interview
When you are sat in the interview room, make sure to look enthusiastic and confident; posture is an important factor to looking confident in an interview, for example, if you are slumped, and you are looking at your hands, you will not come across very well, but if your back is straight and your head is up, you will seem more professional and approachable. In an interview, you need to appear confident and enthusiastic, but not so much that it overpowers the interviewer; enable them to ask you questions at first, and allow them to do the talking, and then once they are done they will ask you if you have any questions for them. For interviewers make sure you arrive at the interview on time, and with their CV and questions in hand. Holding the interview in a quiet room without distractions will put them more at ease, and a nice sturdy and comfortable office chair will make them feel more relaxed. If you are looking for new office chairs to put in your office, then an Operator Chair could be the best style for you and for your workers; there are many companies where you can buy a Wide range of operator chairs from.
The End of the Interview
Once the interview is done, it is courteous to offer to clean up your cup; many employers will probably tell you not to worry, but it is wise to offer any way. There is one boss who tests the applicants to see if they will clean up their own cups, and he calls it ‘the coffee cup test’, if an applicant does not offer to clean up their cup, he will write them off automatically – harsh! When it comes to interview etiquette, it is best to do too much than too little, make sure to do research about the company, because there is a chance the interviewer could ask you questions about the company to test if you have done your reading. Before you leave, give them a friendly smile and a firm handshake. For employers ask them if they have any further questions, and if they do answer them clearly. It’s courteous to give them a day and an approximate time of when they’ll hear back from you.
