Job interviews are your gateway to landing your dream job, but knowing what to do—and what not to do—during an interview is crucial for making a lasting positive impression. Interview etiquette encompasses more than just how you answer questions; it includes everything from how you present yourself, how you engage with the interviewer, and how you handle post-interview follow-up.
In this article, we’ll explore the essential interview etiquette dos and don’ts that can help you navigate the interview process smoothly and increase your chances of success. Whether you’re preparing for an in-person interview, a virtual meeting, or even a phone screening, following these guidelines will demonstrate your professionalism, competence, and respect for the process.
1. Do Your Research Before the Interview
One of the most critical aspects of interview preparation is researching the company and the role you’re applying for. Interviewers expect candidates to have a basic understanding of the company’s products, services, culture, and the industry it operates in. Doing your homework demonstrates that you’re genuinely interested in the position and that you’re prepared to contribute meaningfully.
What to Research:
- Company’s mission and values: Understanding the company’s mission will help you align your answers with their goals and culture.
- Industry trends: Being aware of current industry trends shows that you’re knowledgeable about the larger market.
- Job description: Review the job description carefully so you can speak to how your skills match the requirements.
- Company achievements: Research any recent news, achievements, or developments related to the company, as this shows your interest in their progress.
Don’t: Go into an interview without any prior research. Failing to know basic facts about the company or the role can make you seem unprepared and uninterested.
2. Do Arrive On Time
Punctuality is one of the simplest yet most important aspects of interview etiquette. Arriving on time shows that you respect the interviewer’s schedule and that you take the opportunity seriously.
Arriving on Time:
- For in-person interviews: Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to gather your thoughts and settle in before the interview begins.
- For virtual interviews: Make sure your technology is working properly, and join the virtual meeting 5 minutes early. Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection ahead of time.
Don’t: Arrive too early or too late. Arriving too early (more than 15 minutes before) can inconvenience the interviewer, while arriving late is disrespectful and signals disorganization.
3. Do Dress Professionally
First impressions are often formed based on appearance, so dressing appropriately is key. Even in industries with a more relaxed dress code, it’s best to err on the side of formality for interviews.
Tips for Dressing Professionally:
- Business formal: For most professional roles, a suit and tie (for men) or a business suit or dress (for women) is appropriate.
- Business casual: For creative or more relaxed industries, business casual attire (such as slacks, a dress shirt, or a blouse) is often acceptable. However, avoid anything too casual, such as jeans or sneakers.
- Grooming: Ensure that your hair, nails, and shoes are well-groomed and polished.
Don’t: Wear overly casual or unkempt clothing, even if the company has a casual work environment. You want to present yourself as a professional, regardless of the dress code at the office.
4. Do Make a Strong First Impression
A job interview begins the moment you walk through the door (or join the video call), so it’s important to make a positive first impression.
How to Make a Strong First Impression:
- Greet with a firm handshake (or a confident smile for virtual interviews): A firm handshake demonstrates confidence, while a smile conveys approachability and positivity.
- Make eye contact: Maintain good eye contact to show engagement and confidence.
- Be polite and respectful: Greet everyone warmly, including the receptionist or anyone else you encounter on your way in.
- Be mindful of your body language: Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting, and make sure your gestures are controlled.
Don’t: Avoid eye contact, slouch, or appear disengaged. These non-verbal cues can make you seem disinterested or nervous.
5. Do Listen Attentively
Active listening is a crucial part of interview etiquette. You should listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and instructions, as well as any comments they make during the conversation.
How to Be an Active Listener:
- Pay attention to the question: Ensure you fully understand the question before answering. If needed, ask for clarification.
- Take your time before answering: Pausing to think before responding demonstrates thoughtfulness and ensures your answer is clear and relevant.
- Respond to what’s being asked: Tailor your answers to the specific question being asked, rather than veering off-topic or giving rehearsed responses.
Don’t: Interrupt the interviewer, zone out, or give generic answers that don’t address the question directly.
6. Do Speak Clearly and Confidently
Your communication skills are being evaluated during the interview, so it’s important to speak clearly, confidently, and concisely. Ensure that you’re not mumbling or speaking too quickly.
Effective Communication Tips:
- Keep your answers concise: Answer the question thoroughly, but avoid rambling. Aim for responses that are clear and to the point.
- Avoid filler words: Words like “um,” “like,” and “you know” can make you appear nervous or unprepared. Practice answering questions without relying on these fillers.
- Use a confident tone: Speak with conviction and confidence in your abilities, but avoid coming across as arrogant.
Don’t: Speak too quickly, interrupt the interviewer, or mumble. Clear, confident communication is key to making a strong impression.
7. Do Ask Thoughtful Questions
An interview isn’t just a chance for the employer to evaluate you—it’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about the company and the role. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and that you’ve done your homework.
Good Questions to Ask:
- “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
- “What are the company’s long-term goals for this department?”
- “How would you describe the company culture?”
- “What challenges is the team currently facing, and how would this role contribute to overcoming them?”
Don’t: Ask about salary, benefits, or vacation time during the first interview unless the interviewer brings it up. These questions can make it seem like you’re more interested in the perks than the actual job.
8. Don’t Criticize Past Employers
It’s common to be asked why you’re leaving your current job or about your previous work experience. Even if you had a negative experience at a previous job, it’s important to avoid criticizing your former employer or colleagues during the interview.
How to Talk About Past Employers Positively:
- Frame challenges as learning experiences: Instead of focusing on the negatives, explain how you overcame challenges and what you learned from them.
- Stay professional: If you left a job because of issues with management or culture, be diplomatic. Focus on how you’re looking for new opportunities rather than placing blame.
Don’t: Badmouth your former employer. It can reflect poorly on your professionalism and may raise concerns about how you’ll speak about the company in the future.
9. Do Follow Up After the Interview
Sending a follow-up message after the interview is an important part of interview etiquette. It shows appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reinforces your interest in the position.
How to Write a Follow-Up Email:
- Send it within 24 hours: Aim to send your thank-you email promptly, ideally within 24 hours of the interview.
- Express gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and the company.
- Reiterate your interest: Mention that you’re excited about the possibility of joining the team and contributing to the company’s success.
- Keep it brief and professional: There’s no need to restate your entire resume—just a concise message that leaves a positive impression.
Sample Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I truly enjoyed our conversation about the [Job Title] role and learning more about [Company Name]’s exciting projects. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and believe that my skills in [relevant skill] and experience in [related experience] would allow me to make a meaningful impact.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information. I look forward to the next steps in the hiring process.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Don’t: Skip the follow-up altogether or send a generic thank-you message. A thoughtful and personalized follow-up can help keep you top of mind with the interviewer.
10. Don’t Be Overly Familiar or Informal
While it’s important to build rapport with the interviewer, you should maintain a professional demeanor throughout the interview. Being overly familiar, cracking inappropriate jokes, or using informal language can make you seem unprofessional.
Maintain Professionalism:
- Address the interviewer by their title and last name, unless they specifically ask you to use their first name.
- Avoid slang or overly casual language.
- Be polite and respectful throughout the conversation.
Don’t: Treat the interview like a casual conversation with a friend. Remember, you’re there to demonstrate your professionalism and suitability for the job.
Conclusion
Mastering interview etiquette is essential for making a positive impression and setting yourself apart from other candidates. By doing your research, dressing appropriately, showing up on time, communicating confidently, and following up professionally, you demonstrate that you are not only qualified for the job but also respectful of the interview process. Avoid common pitfalls, such as criticizing past employers or being overly informal, and you’ll increase your chances of securing the job offer.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your next interview with confidence and poise.
