Proper Interviewing Etiquette

Okay, so you've taken the time to complete a good resume and you've landed yourself a job interview. Congratulations. The interview is pretty important so you still have some work to do before you can get the job.    You'll want to show up to the job interview and impress them rather than leave them with a feeling that you can't handle the job. And for this reason, I've put together a few things that you should keep in mind when you go for the job interview.

Dress Appropriately

If you're going for a job as the sales director of a large multinational corporation, please don't show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Wear a nicely-ironed shirt and tie. If getting dressed up isn't your thing, you should start to get used to it...you'll probably be doing it a lot.

Tailor Your Resume to Fit the Job Position

You've probably already got your resume pretty much finished and you're feeling confident about it. But every job position has different demands so a few changes here and there can help you out. For example, if you're going for a sales position, remember to stress your sales experience. If you're going for a bookkeeping position, stress your computer and finance skills.

Do Your Research Before You Go

Before you get in your car to go to the interview, be sure you understand what the company is all about. Do some research and pull some articles about the company to find out how you would fit in. You'll likely get asked "what could you do for this company?" so be sure that you have an answer to it.

Have Proper Manners

Nobody likes someone who shows up late, so set aside enough time to get there a couple minutes early. And when you meet the interviewer, be polite and shake his/her hand. Appear enthusiastic about the job. A company is far more likely to hire someone who is passionate about what they do than someone who is matter-of-fact about it.

Try to be a little modest while you're talking to the person. Don't make any demands right away like what kind of salary you're expecting. That can be discussed later on in the interview. The beginning of the interview should just be a time when both of you are trying to feel a little more comfortable with each other

It Doesn't End When You Walk Out the Door

Even if the interview isn't going your way, try to still seem upbeat and polite. No matter how the interview went, when you return home you should prepare a short thank-you note to send to the interviewer thanking them for their time and consideration. It can help you score points with them and it's the right thing to do.

With the right preparation, you'll be ready to handle any interview. Just remember the popular saying: "just be yourself". Within reason, of course.

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