‘BE THE YOU, TO BE IMPRESSED’ – Pre-Interview Etiquette.
Often an employer needs the transparent communications, so being is you what makes the interviewer to think that you are obedient and trust worthy.
The most important part of a job interview is the beginning. That’s when you have an opportunity to make a great impression—or a poor one—on your interviewer. Some say they know within the first 30 seconds or so whether the person has a shot at getting hired.
You probably have a little more time than that, but it’s important to make the best impression you can within the first few minutes of meeting your interviewer. Carry it on throughout the interview, so you have a good shot at getting a second interview and a job offer.
You have one chance to make a good first impression – and much of that depends on interview etiquette. Read these etiquette tips for interviews to make a great first impression and turn your next interview into a job offer.
- Know your CV inside out.
it is common that we practice for the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question by reading through our CV in chronological order. When asked to speak at random about different roles throughout our CV we find ourselves stumped. To overcome this problem, study each role in detail and practice speaking about them individually rather than in a chronological order.
- Prepare Answers.
Plan answers for 15 – 25 common interview questions. While those specific questions may not come up in the interview, you can be sure that very similar ones will, letting you tailor the response instantly. Remember to give evidence to support each of your answers.
- Wear appropriate interview attire. Dressing up for an interview not only makes you more attractive, it is a sign of respect that you send to the person interviewing you. The emphasis here is less on what you would actually wear than that you look neat, polished and pressed. If you look sloppy, that signals that you are careless and even disrespectful – not the kind of impression you want to leave. It can be really awkward if you show up at a job interview overdressed—or under-dressed. Always dress appropriately for an interview so you make the best first impression.
- Just Google It. It’s best not to call your interview location for direction on how to find their office. Most of the time, you will receive a set of instructions from a recruiter or an HR manager on how to get to their space. Pay attention to this email – read it carefully and save it in case you run into trouble. This will show them that you’ve read their instructions and can figure things out for yourself. And if they don’t send you an email, Just Google it and confirm the information with them before the date of the interview. Make sure you can give yourself an A for effort before you even think about calling.
- Arrive on Time, but Not Too Early. Punctuality is important, so get directions, and prepare your clothes, ahead of time. It goes unsaid that being late or seeming flustered and rushed is bad etiquette. Unless you have been given specific instructions to show-up early, it’s not necessary to be seated and waiting for an interview 15 minutes ahead of time. Here’s the general rule: get seated and be ready to interview 5 minutes before it is scheduled to take place. Being late for an interview sends the signal that you are unreliable and inattentive to details. Showing up too early makes you seem over-eager and stalker-like. If you arrive 30 minutes or more before your scheduled session, then the hiring manager may feel rushed to greet you or uncomfortable with the prospect of having you hang out in a reception area.
- Never Ever Assume. The individual behind the front desk is not always a receptionist. Treat them how you would want to be treated if someone randomly walked into your office: approach them, smile, introduce yourself and tell them why you are there, including the name of the person you are meeting. It saves them the awkward task of having to ask – especially if they just happen to occupy the space near the door. If they are on the phone or look like they are in the middle of something, wait patiently and approach them when there is an appropriate opening. Don’t worry they see you.
- The Art of the Handshake. You may end up shaking hands with the worker behind the front desk or your first handshake may be with HR or the hiring manager. Extend your hand in greeting to human resource representatives, senior-level managers, and potential colleagues. And, if you are not already standing, stand up when someone enters the room prior to shaking hands.With whomever you shake hands, ensure that you exude confidence. Nobody likes shaking hands with a dead fish. Ensure a firm hand shake, with good eye contact and a warm smile!A firm handshake, not too tight and not at all limp, demonstrates confidence.
- Be Nice to the Receptionist. The person at the front desk may not be the hiring manager—but that doesn’t mean his or her impression of you doesn’t matter. In fact, some companies specifically ask their front desk attendants to report back on the demeanor of interviewees who come through the door. And that likely plays a role in the ultimate hiring decision—so it’s important to treat that person as well as you’ll treat your interviewer.
- Put Your Phone Away It’s a natural tendency to pull out your Smartphone any time you have to wait in line at the grocery store, during commercials, while you wait for the vending machine to dispense your Diet Coke—you get the picture. But if you’re waiting in the lobby, don’t automatically default to your phone. Instead, take that time to look over your resume and think through what you want to convey during your interview. Then, when your interviewer makes his or her appearance, you won’t be caught off guard, shutting down Angry Birds and stuffing your phone back into your briefcase.
- Have Everything Neat, Organized, and Accessible. You can be certain that, within the first few minutes of your meeting, your interviewer will ask for a copy of your updated resume. But if you have to dig through your bag past candy wrappers, phone chargers, and old receipts, you’re going to look a little unorganized. To make the best first impression, everything you need should be neatly organized and readily accessible. You should be able to pull out your resume, references, and even a pen (one that’s not completely mangled) on command. The less you have to rifle through your bag, the better.
- Be enthusiastic! You’ve been invited for interview because they believe you can do the job. It’s just down to you on the day to show that you can do it better than anyone else they might be interviewing. Even if you don’t tick all the boxes for the job criteria, I’ll bet you have something just as good or even better to offer. The interview panel doesn’t know this yet, so you have to tell them. Don’t be negative about a past (or present) employer, working conditions etc., as this will give a really bad impression. Try to show that you are flexible and willing to take on responsibility.
Quick Tips for Impressing Your Interviewer
Here are some quick and easy tips on how to impress all the people you meet when you’re interviewing for a new job.
- Prepare: Prepare your answer to the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?” The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—it’s your personal elevator pitch.
- Practice: Practice might not make perfect, but it does help you make a good impression. Review the interview questions that employers most frequently ask and think about how you’ll answer them.
- Don’t forget the little things: Shine your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair and loose threads.
- Don’t go into the interview without knowing anything: Take the time to research the organization, so you know as much as possible about it. That way you’ll be prepared to answer questions about what you know about the company.
- Get the inside scoop: Besides researching the organization, see if you can get some inside information on the company and its employees. Check LinkedIn, Facebook, and your college alumni network to see if you know anyone who can share insider information with you.
- Review the job posting: Know as much as you can about the job. Review the job posting and know what the employer is looking for in the person they hire. Also, take a look at your cover letter and resume, so you are clear about what you can offer the employer.
- Check out the interviewer on FOBZA.com: Take a minute or two and check out the interviewer on FOBZA.com if you can find them. That will give you a sense of the person you’ll be meeting with, as well as their career path and tenure with the company.
- Go light, very light, on the perfume or cologne: That boss I mentioned didn’t like smelling perfume so if someone overdid it, they could knock themselves out of contention before they even shook his hand.
- Avoid sweaty palms: Nobody wants to touch a slimy wet hand. If you can visit the restroom on the way to the interview, wash and thoroughly dry your hands. When that’s not possible, use a tissue to make sure your hands are dry.
- Take a deep breath: Interviews can be really stressful. While you’re in the restroom, take a few deep breaths and remember that you’re here because you were chosen to interview.
- Smile: You don’t want to overdo it, but think positive and smile when you’re meeting the interviewer and when it’s appropriate during the interview. Positive people with strong interpersonal skills are more likely to be hired.
- Show your enthusiasm: On a related note, show your enthusiasm and passion for what you do and what you’d like to do in your next job. It’s fine to let the interviewer know that you love your work and are excited about this opportunity.
- Think twice before saying nothing!: If you are asked a question that you simply do not know the answer to, be honest about it and explain that if you were to answer it you would be taking a punt on it. The interviewer will probably appreciate your honesty and may even ask you to have a go at answering it anyway.
- Share how you’re a great fit for the job: Back up your enthusiasm with facts. It’s not enough to say that you’ve got the right stuff for the job. Be specific and show the employer why and how you’re qualified.
- Don’t panic: Even if you’ve done all the right prep work, you can be taken off guard by an interview question that you weren’t expecting. Prepare for the worst, so you don’t have to panic.
- Share a story or two: Don’t just state your qualifications. Instead, use your storytelling skills to share examples of what you have achieved at work. There’s nothing better than a real-life story to engage your interviewer and show what you can do.
- Know your weaknesses: Prepare both ‘personal’ and ‘professional’ weaknesses and be sure that whatever weaknesses you give, you demonstrate a self-awareness of that weakness and how you work towards overcoming it.
- Follow up after the interview: A final way to make the best impression and show you care about this opportunity is to follow up with an email message, note or phone call. In addition to relaying your thanks for the interview, reiterate why you’re a terrific candidate for the job.
- Expression: Every conversation should be about speaking a common and shared language. No jargon is allowed unless that is what is commonly used at the organization, and if it is essential to fulfill your job responsibilities.
- Listen: Be an active listener. Do not interrupt. Pay attention, watch their body language, use eye contact, nod when appropriate and ask appropriate questions and clarify when needed. Incorporate phrases from their questions into your answers and comments.
- Communicate clearly: This is where your preparation pays off. Speak clearly, don’t rush and don’t drone on and on. Avoid slang, “ums” and “ugh.” Your confident attitude will shine through your clear communication.
- A pen and a small notebook: Prepare to take notes, but not on your Smartphone or any other electronic device. Write information down so that you can refer to these details in your follow-up thank you notes. Maintain eye contact as much as possible.
FOBZA.com hopes that with the help of Pre-Interview Etiquette, you are now ready to enrich your skills and potentials with confidence.
Advertisements
‘BE THE YOU, TO BE IMPRESSED’ – Pre-Interview Etiquette.
Often an employer needs the transparent communications, so being is you what makes the interviewer to think that you are obedient and trust worthy.
The most important part of a job interview is the beginning. That’s when you have an opportunity to make a great impression—or a poor one—on your interviewer. Some say they know within the first 30 seconds or so whether the person has a shot at getting hired.
You probably have a little more time than that, but it’s important to make the best impression you can within the first few minutes of meeting your interviewer. Carry it on throughout the interview, so you have a good shot at getting a second interview and a job offer.
You have one chance to make a good first impression – and much of that depends on interview etiquette. Read these etiquette tips for interviews to make a great first impression and turn your next interview into a job offer.
- Know your CV inside out.
it is common that we practice for the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question by reading through our CV in chronological order. When asked to speak at random about different roles throughout our CV we find ourselves stumped. To overcome this problem, study each role in detail and practice speaking about them individually rather than in a chronological order. - Prepare Answers.
Plan answers for 15 – 25 common interview questions. While those specific questions may not come up in the interview, you can be sure that very similar ones will, letting you tailor the response instantly. Remember to give evidence to support each of your answers. - Wear appropriate interview attire. Dressing up for an interview not only makes you more attractive, it is a sign of respect that you send to the person interviewing you. The emphasis here is less on what you would actually wear than that you look neat, polished and pressed. If you look sloppy, that signals that you are careless and even disrespectful – not the kind of impression you want to leave. It can be really awkward if you show up at a job interview overdressed—or under-dressed. Always dress appropriately for an interview so you make the best first impression.
- Just Google It. It’s best not to call your interview location for direction on how to find their office. Most of the time, you will receive a set of instructions from a recruiter or an HR manager on how to get to their space. Pay attention to this email – read it carefully and save it in case you run into trouble. This will show them that you’ve read their instructions and can figure things out for yourself. And if they don’t send you an email, Just Google it and confirm the information with them before the date of the interview. Make sure you can give yourself an A for effort before you even think about calling.
- Arrive on Time, but Not Too Early. Punctuality is important, so get directions, and prepare your clothes, ahead of time. It goes unsaid that being late or seeming flustered and rushed is bad etiquette. Unless you have been given specific instructions to show-up early, it’s not necessary to be seated and waiting for an interview 15 minutes ahead of time. Here’s the general rule: get seated and be ready to interview 5 minutes before it is scheduled to take place. Being late for an interview sends the signal that you are unreliable and inattentive to details. Showing up too early makes you seem over-eager and stalker-like. If you arrive 30 minutes or more before your scheduled session, then the hiring manager may feel rushed to greet you or uncomfortable with the prospect of having you hang out in a reception area.
- Never Ever Assume. The individual behind the front desk is not always a receptionist. Treat them how you would want to be treated if someone randomly walked into your office: approach them, smile, introduce yourself and tell them why you are there, including the name of the person you are meeting. It saves them the awkward task of having to ask – especially if they just happen to occupy the space near the door. If they are on the phone or look like they are in the middle of something, wait patiently and approach them when there is an appropriate opening. Don’t worry they see you.
- The Art of the Handshake. You may end up shaking hands with the worker behind the front desk or your first handshake may be with HR or the hiring manager. Extend your hand in greeting to human resource representatives, senior-level managers, and potential colleagues. And, if you are not already standing, stand up when someone enters the room prior to shaking hands.With whomever you shake hands, ensure that you exude confidence. Nobody likes shaking hands with a dead fish. Ensure a firm hand shake, with good eye contact and a warm smile!A firm handshake, not too tight and not at all limp, demonstrates confidence.
- Be Nice to the Receptionist. The person at the front desk may not be the hiring manager—but that doesn’t mean his or her impression of you doesn’t matter. In fact, some companies specifically ask their front desk attendants to report back on the demeanor of interviewees who come through the door. And that likely plays a role in the ultimate hiring decision—so it’s important to treat that person as well as you’ll treat your interviewer.
- Put Your Phone Away It’s a natural tendency to pull out your Smartphone any time you have to wait in line at the grocery store, during commercials, while you wait for the vending machine to dispense your Diet Coke—you get the picture. But if you’re waiting in the lobby, don’t automatically default to your phone. Instead, take that time to look over your resume and think through what you want to convey during your interview. Then, when your interviewer makes his or her appearance, you won’t be caught off guard, shutting down Angry Birds and stuffing your phone back into your briefcase.
- Have Everything Neat, Organized, and Accessible. You can be certain that, within the first few minutes of your meeting, your interviewer will ask for a copy of your updated resume. But if you have to dig through your bag past candy wrappers, phone chargers, and old receipts, you’re going to look a little unorganized. To make the best first impression, everything you need should be neatly organized and readily accessible. You should be able to pull out your resume, references, and even a pen (one that’s not completely mangled) on command. The less you have to rifle through your bag, the better.
- Be enthusiastic! You’ve been invited for interview because they believe you can do the job. It’s just down to you on the day to show that you can do it better than anyone else they might be interviewing. Even if you don’t tick all the boxes for the job criteria, I’ll bet you have something just as good or even better to offer. The interview panel doesn’t know this yet, so you have to tell them. Don’t be negative about a past (or present) employer, working conditions etc., as this will give a really bad impression. Try to show that you are flexible and willing to take on responsibility.
Quick Tips for Impressing Your Interviewer
Here are some quick and easy tips on how to impress all the people you meet when you’re interviewing for a new job.
- Prepare: Prepare your answer to the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?” The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—it’s your personal elevator pitch.
- Practice: Practice might not make perfect, but it does help you make a good impression. Review the interview questions that employers most frequently ask and think about how you’ll answer them.
- Don’t forget the little things: Shine your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair and loose threads.
- Don’t go into the interview without knowing anything: Take the time to research the organization, so you know as much as possible about it. That way you’ll be prepared to answer questions about what you know about the company.
- Get the inside scoop: Besides researching the organization, see if you can get some inside information on the company and its employees. Check LinkedIn, Facebook, and your college alumni network to see if you know anyone who can share insider information with you.
- Review the job posting: Know as much as you can about the job. Review the job posting and know what the employer is looking for in the person they hire. Also, take a look at your cover letter and resume, so you are clear about what you can offer the employer.
- Check out the interviewer on FOBZA.com: Take a minute or two and check out the interviewer on FOBZA.com if you can find them. That will give you a sense of the person you’ll be meeting with, as well as their career path and tenure with the company.
- Go light, very light, on the perfume or cologne: That boss I mentioned didn’t like smelling perfume so if someone overdid it, they could knock themselves out of contention before they even shook his hand.
- Avoid sweaty palms: Nobody wants to touch a slimy wet hand. If you can visit the restroom on the way to the interview, wash and thoroughly dry your hands. When that’s not possible, use a tissue to make sure your hands are dry.
- Take a deep breath: Interviews can be really stressful. While you’re in the restroom, take a few deep breaths and remember that you’re here because you were chosen to interview.
- Smile: You don’t want to overdo it, but think positive and smile when you’re meeting the interviewer and when it’s appropriate during the interview. Positive people with strong interpersonal skills are more likely to be hired.
- Show your enthusiasm: On a related note, show your enthusiasm and passion for what you do and what you’d like to do in your next job. It’s fine to let the interviewer know that you love your work and are excited about this opportunity.
- Think twice before saying nothing!: If you are asked a question that you simply do not know the answer to, be honest about it and explain that if you were to answer it you would be taking a punt on it. The interviewer will probably appreciate your honesty and may even ask you to have a go at answering it anyway.
- Share how you’re a great fit for the job: Back up your enthusiasm with facts. It’s not enough to say that you’ve got the right stuff for the job. Be specific and show the employer why and how you’re qualified.
- Don’t panic: Even if you’ve done all the right prep work, you can be taken off guard by an interview question that you weren’t expecting. Prepare for the worst, so you don’t have to panic.
- Share a story or two: Don’t just state your qualifications. Instead, use your storytelling skills to share examples of what you have achieved at work. There’s nothing better than a real-life story to engage your interviewer and show what you can do.
- Know your weaknesses: Prepare both ‘personal’ and ‘professional’ weaknesses and be sure that whatever weaknesses you give, you demonstrate a self-awareness of that weakness and how you work towards overcoming it.
- Follow up after the interview: A final way to make the best impression and show you care about this opportunity is to follow up with an email message, note or phone call. In addition to relaying your thanks for the interview, reiterate why you’re a terrific candidate for the job.
- Expression: Every conversation should be about speaking a common and shared language. No jargon is allowed unless that is what is commonly used at the organization, and if it is essential to fulfill your job responsibilities.
- Listen: Be an active listener. Do not interrupt. Pay attention, watch their body language, use eye contact, nod when appropriate and ask appropriate questions and clarify when needed. Incorporate phrases from their questions into your answers and comments.
- Communicate clearly: This is where your preparation pays off. Speak clearly, don’t rush and don’t drone on and on. Avoid slang, “ums” and “ugh.” Your confident attitude will shine through your clear communication.
- A pen and a small notebook: Prepare to take notes, but not on your Smartphone or any other electronic device. Write information down so that you can refer to these details in your follow-up thank you notes. Maintain eye contact as much as possible.
FOBZA.com hopes that with the help of Pre-Interview Etiquette, you are now ready to enrich your skills and potentials with confidence.
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