Interview Etiquette

As much as your answers to interview questions matter, the way you conduct yourself during an interview will carry a lot of weight. Making a good first impression is essential, and your style, manner, and body language all weigh in on what that impression will be to an employer.

Be sure to dress professionally for your interview, by whatever standards professional dress is for your industry. Often this will mean a suit, but every industry operates by different standards. Search on-line for advice related to your field but when in doubt, it is better to be over dressed than under dressed.

• Typically, muted colors and moderate styles are the way to go. Dark blues, blacks, and grays are often safe color palettes, but other colors may be appropriate.
• Bring a few copies of your resume in a professional portfolio or folder in case someone at the interview does not have a copy, or if you want to reference a particular experience during the interview.
• Having a pen or pencil in your portfolio is great for taking notes and having prepared questions if need be.
• Turn off your cell phone prior to entering the building to help eliminate distractions.

• Offer a firm handshake: Shaking hands is a standard professional interaction, so practicing your handshake is essential. Be sure to connect the webbing between your thumb and forefinger to the webbing of the other person's thumb and forefinger. Give back the amount of pressure you receive, and maintain direct eye contact with the person. Hold objects (business cards, portfolio) in your left hand to keep your right hand free.

• Maintain a professional posture both while sitting and standing in order to project confidence.

• Answer questions clearly and concisely. It's okay to take time to think of answers to questions and to ask clarifying questions if you don't understand what is being asked of you.

Tips

• Be friendly to everyone you see. Stand and smile when people come into the room or when they are introduced to you.

• Beware of interviews over meals. If your interview includes lunch or dinner, learn about table etiquette before you go (About.com provides a good start). Order from the mid-price range on the menu, and choose something easy to eat neatly. Do not order alcohol, no matter your age. Do not speak with your mouth full. The person inviting you is expected to pay. Remember to thank them for the meal.

Do

• Maintain good eye contact. If there is more than one interviewer, look from person to person casually as you answer questions. 

• Be articulate. Listen carefully to each question and think for a moment before giving your answer.

• Ask clarifying questions. It is much more polite to ensure you understand a question than it is to try and answer a question you don't understand.

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview, especially if you aren't sure where togo. If you are going somewhere you've never been, don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions to the person coordinating your interview to make sure you end up in the right place at the right time.

Don’t

• Cross your arms—it makes you look defensive.

• Sit on the edge of your seat.

• Touch your face, or play with your jewelry or hair.

• Rock on your seat.

• Interrupt when being asked a question.

• Give one-word answers, unless the question dictates a one-word answer.