Interviewing Etiquette Tips

An employers' first impression of a job candidate counts for everything.  Potential job candidates must ensure that they act appropriate in the various settings in which they may meet an employer.  The tips below give students insight on proper behavior and etiquette when dealing with potential employers. 

For more information on preparing for interviews, see Career Counselor Liz Clearman’s Article, “Getting the Job” in the December, 2006 Texas Bar Journal.

1. Be polite to everyone.  The first person that most job candidates come into contact with is the receptionist, recruiter, or administrative assistant.  The way you treat this person can have a profound impact on whether you get the job or not.  While students may think these people are not making the hiring decisions, they often have the ear of the decision-maker.  The way you treat others is an indication of how you will treat co-workers and clients.  Be friendly, speak kindly to all and if given the opportunity, make conversation. 
2. Shake hands.  Give firm hand shakes when greeting.  Don’t break the other person’s hand but don’t give too gentle of a handshake.
3. Engage in conversation with the interviewers.  Most interviewers have already reviewed your resume and know about your qualifications on paper.  The interview is an opportunity for them to get to know you.  Allow the conversation to include interests and hobbies if the interviewer goes in that direction.  Be friendly and polite throughout.
4. Send thank you notes.  Mail a thank you note to people who take the time to interview or just help you.  You should aim to get this letter out within 24 hours of the interview.  A short letter thanking them for their time is always appropriate.
5. Before you hit send.  In this day and time, email has become a widely used method of communicating with potential employers.  Your e-mail account name should be professional.  For example, don’t send an email to an employer with the account name “2hot4u.”  This does not convey professionalism and it may prevent you from getting an interview.  If attaching cover letters or resumes, be sure to attach those documents to the email (although often your email itself is the cover letter).  Proofread the document and don’t send a letter with errors.  Be sure that the employer actually likes to receive cover letters and resumes via email.  If am employer specifically says don’t send materials via email, then don’t.  This information was adapted from the NALP brochure entitled “Before you hit Send” by Katie Schendel.
6. Dining with employers.  Some interviews may be conducted over lunch or dinner.  An article entitled “Tips for Dining with Prospective Employers” provides useful information on this process.