subject: Perfecting That All Important Job Interview [print this page] There is an unspoken code of etiquette that should be followed during the interview process. Employers will not only be listening to what you say, but will also be watching how you act and how you present yourself.
Professional interaction with others is very important to employers, particularly in positions in which the incumbent will interact with clients on behalf of the company.
The first thing to remember is to make eye contact. Making eye contact shows that you are interested in what the other person is saying. It also shows that you are self-confident.
When making eye contact, remember that if you glance away for a second or two to gather your thoughts, this is okay. It is when you are listening to the other person that it is very important to maintain eye contact. Even if they look away from time to time to gather their thoughts, maintaining eye contact will show that you are interested in what they are saying.
Be sure not to have gum, mints, or anything else in your mouth during your interview. This can be very distracting and make a poor impression. You want them listening to what you say, not listening to you chew!
Personally, I carry mints with me and completely consume one or two before going into the interview. I do not carry gum, for fear that I will forget to spit it out prior to going into the interview! Looking for a place to spit out gum would be as awkward as chewing it in an interview in the first place!
It is a good idea to address the interviewer by name. You were probably given the name of your interviewer when the interview was scheduled, but if not, you can always call the front office and ask for this information. Ask for a business card before you leave the interview so that you will have the interviewer's contact information.
When you arrive for your interview, offer a firm handshake and greet your interviewer by their name. Do the same thing when you leave, and be sure to follow-up with a thank you email.
