Top Interview Etiquette Rules That Will Help You Land The Job

Impress potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired.

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It is not enough to correctly answer questions from a recruiter to get hired. It is also important to make a great first impression. Experts say that 55% of first impressions are made of what we see, and 38% of it is made by our voice.

Brushing up on the interview etiquette is a sure way to strengthen the first impression and increase your chances for a job. Below, we've gathered the top interview etiquette tips to get you fully prepared.

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Preparation tips for your job interview success

Do your research

Not researching the company is one of the biggest mistakes candidates make. Hiring managers believe that it shows your low interest in the position or lack of research skills. Moreover, it shows poor etiquette. The future employer is likely to ask what you know about the company or why you want to work with them, and awkward silence as a response won't help you stand out.

Plus, after doing an interview research you'll know if the company is a good fit for you and whether you'll be comfortable working there.

Practice answering common questions

You can find common interview questions online or read our guide to effectively prepare for a job interview. Practicing to answer questions will help you feel confident during the actual conversation as you'll know what to expect.

To answer behavioral interview questions, recall your past accomplishments, and transferable skills, and think about how to show them with examples. Use the STAR method when depicting your experience and projects.

Prepare your questions to ask

All HR managers expect you to ask questions at the end of the job interview. So, prepare a few questions about the company culture, responsibilities, and how they measure success. Thus, you will make an impression as an eager, interested professional. If you're not sure what to ask, read our list of top 29 interview questions to ask.

Basic interview etiquette

To impress the recruiter during the job interview, follow these recommendations:

Dress appropriately

Wearing appropriate attire helps you to make a great first impression. Moreover, dressing professionally shows your knowledge of business etiquette. Dress up for the interview considering industry norms and the company's dress code. For example, if they have a casual dress code, you'll want to dress smart casual to be slightly overdressed and show respect.

Arrive early

Being late is one of the worst interview sins. If you have an in-person interview, it's best to leave earlier than usual. It is better to wait for 20 minutes in a coffee shop near the office if you arrive early to the interview location than to run late and make excuses on the go.

If you have a Zoom interview scheduled, join 10 minutes early so that you have time to concentrate and troubleshoot any minor issues.

Watch your body language

Nonverbal cues and body language show your enthusiasm, how confident you are, and your interview etiquette skills. Here is what to keep in mind:

• Maintain eye contact - 68% of recruiters believe that not making eye contact is the biggest interview mistake. Making eye contact shows that you listen carefully, and are interested and engaged in a conversation.
• Keep a straight posture - a bad posture can signal that you are bored or lack confidence. On the contrary, a straight posture conveys enthusiasm, energy, and leadership. Practice in front of the mirror if you need to.
• Make hand gestures - it is okay to use gestures to make your point, but don't go overboard with it.
• Avoid crossed arms and legs - it shows that you feel uncomfortable or defensive.
• Speak loudly so that the interviewer can hear you, but not too fast. Avoid filler words.

Start strong

For most employers, the first 30 seconds of the interview are enough to make a first impression. So, it is important to start strong. Enter the office with confidence, give the interviewer (or multiple interviewers) a firm handshake, and start a small talk. You can mention something interesting you've noticed in the company's office or read on their website. You need to convey confidence and enthusiasm to make the right impression.

Smile

Interviews are stressful, yet, you don't want to look nervous and stressed during the entire interview. Smiling will help you look friendly and approachable even if you don't feel it at the moment. Plus, if you approach the conversation with a positive attitude, it will help you relax and show your best.

Don't interrupt

Answer the question after the interviewer is done speaking. Don't interrupt them even if you have an impression that you know what they're going to ask. It is rude and shows poor business etiquette. Wait for them to pause and then reply. You can ask for clarification if you're not quite sure what the interviewer has in mind.

If you want to bring up something important, do it closer to the end of the interview. You might want to explain why you're changing industries or tell about the volunteering project that helped boost your leadership skills. If you believe that this detail can be a game-changer, tell them about it.

Be concise

In-person interview time is limited, so you don't want to overload the interview with too much detail. Keep your answers short and to the point. Ideally, you should answer each question in 5-7 sentences.

Be sure to show enthusiasm and excitement. When speaking about your significant achievement or what you enjoy most about your role, showing positive emotions will increase your likability. They will show the employer that you are enthusiastic about your job and make a great addition to their team.

Put your phone on silent

Most people forget about it, but a phone ringing or beeping during the interview can be super distracting. Plus, answering the phone in the middle of the interview instantly shows poor etiquette. Make sure to put your phone on silent so that nothing disturbs you during the important interview.

Send a thank-you note

Not every job-seeker sends a follow-up note after the interview, so this is your chance to stand out. Write a thank-you letter expressing gratitude for the conversation and enthusiasm about joining the company. Keep it short - a few sentences are usually enough. The person interviewing you will surely appreciate it.

You can send another email in a week to ask about the progress of the hiring process if you haven't heard from them.

What not to do during the job interview?

These common interview mistakes show your bad manners and inevitably spoil the first impression:

• Don't touch your face, or hair, or hold a pen in your hand - these body language cues show that you are nervous and insecure.
• Don't interrupt the interview to take a phone call - it shows that you don't value the interviewer's time.
• Don't talk too much - no need to speak about every single successful project, focus on the most relevant and important facts.
• Don't speak about salary too early - it shows that you have no other motivation for joining the company other than money.
• Don't appear too casual - wearing informal clothes, talking to an interviewer as you talk to your friends, and lounging on the sofa make an unprofessional impression.

Showing good interview etiquette can help you stand out if the hiring manager is choosing between you and another candidate with similar hard skills. Moreover, good etiquette shows that you respect time and boundaries of others, and can communicate with coworkers and clients effectively, which will add you points. Remember to show enthusiasm and excitement about the position, and well as your motivation for joining the team.

FAQs About Job Interviews

What is interview etiquette?

Interview etiquette is a behavior that you demonstrate during the in-person or virtual interview. Examples of good interview etiquette include showing up on time, dressing professionally, answering questions concisely, and good body language. These signs showcase that you are capable of communicating with others in workplace settings.

What are the 5 C's of interviewing?

The 5 C's of interviewing are the KPIs that employers pay attention to when choosing a candidate. They include Character, Culture Fit, Career Direction, Competence and Communication Skills. Be sure to demonstrate these traits when answering questions from the interviewer to increase your chances for a job.

Do you need to bring a resume to an interview?

Bringing a copy of your resume shows preparedness and professionalism to recruiters. Plus, with a copy at hand, you won't forget about the important achievement or a recent certification. If you're not satisfied with your current resume, experts of ResumePerk can improve its content and design, or write a new one that matches your current professional goals.