Interviewing Etiquette
Appearance provides the interviewers first impression, but manners and general behavior become important immediately afterward. The primary question on the mind of the interviewer at this point is: "How will this person fit into the department/organization?) The combination of these factors (appearance, manners, behavior and fit for the department) form the basis for the interviewer's hiring decision. The interview has its own "code of honor". Learn the rules, wear the right clothes and always be polite and respectful.
Rule 1
Arrive early. When running late, a person will be frantic. If frantic, a person is not at their best; in addition, the interviewer will be annoyed. No one likes to be kept waiting. The interviewer will assume that if the interviewee is not on time for this first meeting, they will not be on time for work or that the interview is not a priority. Being on time, or early, is usually interpreted by the interviewer('s) as evidence of commitment, dependability, and professionalism.
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Take a trial run before the interview to see how long the trip takes, check directions and determine whether there are detours or construction that might cause delays.
Rule 2
Project a professional image while waiting for the interview. Do not smoke, chew gum or listen to Ipods. It's best to try to find some college literature to read. Breathe deeply to calm yourself down. Take off an outer coat if necessary and organize belongings. When the interviewer arrives, be poised and prepared.
Rule 3
Be ready for the handshake. Dry the palms of the hands before going into the room. Having a firm handshake is very important. It may sound ridiculous, but interviewers can form a poor opinion of a candidate based on a weak or clammy handshake. Practice handshaking prior to the interview.
Rule 4
Come prepared. Carry the interview folder with the resume, lined tablet, and any projects to be highlighted. This will project preparedness.
Also, know how much time will be allowed for the interview. At the time of the interview scheduling, questions about the length of time allotted for the interview, the number of questions and the number of interviewers may be asked.
Rule 5
Do not sit until invited to do so. Introduce yourself before you are seated or after the committee has been introduced, whichever feels most comfortable.
Show self-confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer(s) and answer questions in a clear voice. Be sure to answer the questions asked and be complete in answering.
Remember to listen. Communication is a two-way street. If you are talking too much, you will probably miss cues concerning what the interviewer is asking for. When the interviewer(s) starts to explain something or wants to show something, lean towards him/her. This shows you are paying attention.
Rule 6
Avoid negative body language. An interviewer wants to see how well you react under pressure. Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:
- Frequently touching your mouth
- Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
- Gnawing on your lip
- Tight or forced smiles
- Swinging your foot or leg
- Folding or crossing your arms
- Slouching
- Avoiding eye contact
- Picking at invisible bits of lint
Don't look puzzled. If the interviewer is talking rapidly, jot down your concerns on a pad of paper and ask at the appropriate time.
Rule 7
Make eye contact. Look directly at the interviewer when answering or asking a question. Reflect before answering a difficult question. If unsure how to answer a question, reply with another question.
Rule 8
Be positive. Don't make negative comments about current or former employers.
Rule 9
If the interviewer introduces himself or herself with a first and last name, use the last name when addressing them. If the interviewer is a woman do not ask if it is "Mrs. or Miss". Many women find the question offensive; it could be "Doctor". Try to find out ahead of time. It is better to not refer to a persons name rather than get it wrong.
Rule 10
Do not talk too much, do not talk too little. The responses to the interviewer's questions should be concise, but not monosyllabic.
Show you want the job. Display your initiative by talking about what functions you could perform that would benefit the campus, and by giving specific details of how you have helped past employers
Rule 11
When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared in advance. These should cover any information about the department, campus or job position you could not find in your own research.
Do not ask questions that raise red flags. Ask too many questions about vacation may cause the interviewer to think time off is more important than helping the department. Too many questions may seem like the interviewer is being interviewed. 1 or 2 is enough.
End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer(s) for his or her time, and let the committee know you want the job. An example would be: "I would like to thank you for taking the time for this interview. The position is exactly the job I what and I hope you will strongly consider me for it."
Rule 12
Be natural. It may be difficult when trying to follow all of these guidelines, but being natural is probably the most important rule. Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. Let the committee see who the real person.
Rule 13
Send a "Thanks for the Interview" note. After the interview, send a brief "thank-you" note to the committee chair. Email "thank you" notes are OK.
