Welcome to the Basic Interview Etiquette podcast.  I'm your host, Paul Kavicky and with me are Roberta Terrell and Jonathan Ross who work with DTN Productions International – Hallmark of Etiquette.

Etiquette is a topic on nearly everyone's mind at some point – we notice when it is painfully absent and we admire it when it seems to just come naturally.  For young adults about to enter the professional world, what are some tips to guide them along the way of that first impression?

Arrive on time for the interview and be totally prepared – you will be more relaxed and focused when you feel prepared.

Don't arrive too early – no more then 10 minutes prior to the interview. 

And while waiting in the reception area for your appointment, be aware that the receptionist will report back on everything he or she hears and observes.  So no talking on your cell or doing any last minute grooming like filing your nails. 

And anything you share with the receptionist she or he will feel obligated to pass along - so careful with the chitchat!

I would imagine complaining about a headache from last night's drinking contest would not be appropriate!

Uh, yeah!

So moving on – what's next?

You have 7 seconds to convince them that interviewing you is the right decision. First impressions are lasting ones – first thing they will read is your body language. Your eye contact, posture - how you carry yourself in general.  And of course they are noticing your professional dress and grooming!

When introduced put your hand right out there and give them a good firm handshake – your host (the person who is interviewing you) should put their hand out first, but don't wait for them to do so. Do not display any hesitation in those first few impression-making moments!

Listen to his or her name and focus on remembering it as well as pronouncing it correctly. Stay with the Mr., Ms. titles until invited to be more casual.

So now it is time to sit down and move into the conversational aspect of the interview…..

Speaking of sitting… wait until offered a seat – don't just grab the best seat and make yourself comfortable. Think "guest" etiquette – you are on their turf!  And always stand up when someone new enters the room to acknowledge them.

Once seated pull out your business card or contact card (you need to have one printed with your contact details) and also your resume.  Make sure that you've carried your items in a nice presentable folder. 

And it's perfectly acceptable for you to request one of their cards – right away or at the end of the interview.

So now it's time to start impressing them with your academic accomplishments and your multiple attributes – right? 

No, you're in the door already – don't blow it by being too cocky.  You've interested them or you wouldn't be granted the first interview.  Did you do your homework and have you arrived informed about what matters to them?  One of the hallmarks of a person with good etiquette is how they demonstrate their interest in others.

Is it true that interviewers ask the most bizarre questions that have nothing to do with skill sets or job requirements?

Yes, be prepared with your own powerful 30-second self-introduction (think of it as a commercial) – this requires some planning and rehearsing. And also be ready to answer off the wall nonsensical questions.  They may be testing you so go with the flow and stay composed.

Okay, so regarding basic etiquette, some interviews take place over a meal….

And table manners matter!  Fair or not, if your table manners are a mess, you will not make a favorable impression.  Keep it simple – know what to do (or not) with the napkin, which foods to order, which ones to avoid, know which piece of silverware to use and how to make small talk.

A common question today involves how and when to thank people for interviews.  What are your recommendations?

Nothing replaces a hand-written thank you note – it is a gift of your time and shows exceptional consideration.  You could certainly send both – a hand-written one in the mail and an immediate e-mailed thank you. 

Now keep in mind, both need to be sent within 24 hours of the interview for the best impression.  The e-mailed thank you may include more content than the hand-written note and perhaps make reference to a specific point from the interview that you'd like to highlight.

Wow – hadn't thought of it that way – that suggestion covers the importance of the thank you note with grace and expediency! 

And with all of our technology needs (and dependencies) what should the interviewee do with his or her cell phone when going to the interview?

Even though many use their cells rather than a watch - keep them turned off, not even on vibrate during the interview.  In fact, they should not be visible.

Thanks Jonathan and Roberta – Basic Interview Etiquette tips that can make all of the difference moving on in the interview process!