The ABCs of Job Interview Etiquette

It seems to go without saying that a job seeker should be polite during a job interview. But proper interview etiquette goes beyond shaking your interviewer's hand when you enter his office. Both the interviewer and his support staff are judging you from the moment you walk through the front door. You need to show consideration and respect for everyone you interact with throughout the interview process.

It's important to show self-confidence when seeking a job, but an over-inflated sense of self-importance can leave a bad taste in the interviewer's mouth. A few etiquette essentials can help you make a positive impression during a job interview. Naturally, you should always arrive on time—or early—to an interview, and you should allot enough time to stay as long as necessary. Scheduling a conference call or meeting that may cut your interview short shows a lack of respect and insufficient interest in the position. You should also turn off your cell phone and put your PDA away. If you're expecting an important message that can't wait, tell your interviewer up front so he knows you made your best effort to give him your complete attention.

Other less-obvious etiquette issues can also make a big difference in the impression you make. If you use the restroom, be sure to wash your hands. You never know who can hear the faucet running. If your interviewer is on an important call when you head to his office, wait outside instead of barging in. Never cancel at the last minute. It shows a lack of consideration for your interviewer's time. If you go on a lunch interview and drive your interviewer to the restaurant, be sure to use polite driving habits. Road etiquette is a good indication of a person's character, and you can be sure the interviewer is taking mental notes if you cut someone off or try to make a yellow light and end up running a red light.

When interviewing for a job, all the little things really add up. Give an interview a 100-percent effort from beginning to end, and the lasting impression you leave will be a good one.

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