As a recruitment agency, we know that interviews can be nerve-wracking for both candidates and hiring managers. However, it’s crucial to remember that interviews are a professional setting and require a certain level of etiquette. Here are some dos and don’ts of interview etiquette that can help ensure a successful and professional interview experience
Dos
- Dress professionally
First impressions matter, and dressing professionally can help you make a positive one. Candidates should aim to dress in business attire, while hiring managers should aim to dress in business casual attire. - Be punctual
Arriving on time or a few minutes early demonstrates reliability and respect for the interview process. Hiring managers should also aim to start the interview on time to demonstrate professionalism and respect for the candidate’s time. - Greet each other respectfully
A firm handshake and a polite greeting can help set a positive tone for the interview. Candidates should greet the hiring manager by their name, while hiring managers should welcome the candidate and introduce themselves. - Listen carefully
Listening carefully to the candidate’s answers and asking follow-up questions demonstrates engagement and interest in the position. Candidates should also listen carefully to the hiring manager’s questions and provide thoughtful responses.
Don’ts
- Use your phone
Using your phone during an interview is unprofessional and disrespectful. Candidates should turn off their phones or put them on silent, while hiring managers should avoid checking their phones during the interview. - Interrupt each other
Interrupting each other during an interview can disrupt the flow of the conversation and demonstrate a lack of respect. Both candidates and hiring managers should wait for the other person to finish speaking before responding. - Speak negatively about previous employers
Speaking negatively about previous employers can demonstrate a lack of professionalism and raise red flags for hiring managers. Candidates should focus on the positive aspects of their previous roles and experiences. - Ask inappropriate questions
Asking inappropriate questions, such as questions related to race, religion, or marital status, is not only unprofessional but can also be illegal. Hiring managers should avoid asking these types of questions, while candidates should also avoid asking questions that are too personal or unrelated to the position.
In conclusion, following these dos and don’ts of interview etiquette can help ensure a successful and professional interview experience for both candidates and hiring managers. By demonstrating professionalism, respect, and engagement, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and landing the job or hiring the best candidate for the position.