Proper Etiquette and Interview Skills

Proper Etiquette and Interview Skills

Business Etiquette

Business etiquette is made up of significantly more important things than knowing which fork to use at lunch with a client. People may feel that if you can't be trusted not to embarrass yourself in business and social situations, you may lack the self-control necessary to be good at what you do. Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you can be taken seriously. Etiquette is also about being comfortable around people (and making them comfortable around you!)

Being a good conversationalist

To be a successful conversationalist, you must also believe that listening is power. Because our society places so much emphasis on speaking as the way to win friends and influence people, good listeners can quietly have a powerful and subversive impact. You should also remember that speakers have little power without listeners. Speakers share their wisdom and try to persuade, but listeners make meaning of what is heard -- they make the ultimate decision to act on what they hear.

When it comes to talking during an interview, sometimes less is more. As a general rule, you should speak one-third of the time and definitely no more than half of the time. That's because the best interviews have a give-and-take atmosphere where you're discussing who the company is looking for, why you're the right candidate and how having you on board will solve the firm's challenges. To do this, you need to ask questions and try to draw out your interviewer rather than talking about yourself nonstop.

Phone Etiquette

Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.

While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moments notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

Good phone ability is a requirement of almost every job at all levels. This is a chance to demonstrate your phone communications skills. Face-to-face communication consists of three elements: words, tone of voice and bo...

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...gh your training program each year?

• How does your company's tuition reimbursement program work?

• What new product lines/services have been announced recently?

• What is the average age of top management?

• Will you describe ______________ to me? (The personality of a ranking officer often reveals a lot about the company philosophy).

• Could you tell me about public transportation to your company?

• How many people are you interviewing for this position?

• What are the things you like least/most about working here?

• If I am extended an offer of employment, how soon after this would you like me to start?

• When can I expect to hear from you?

As the interview closes, be sure to express interest in the position and briefly summarize why you are qualified. Then ask what the next step will be or when you can expect to hear from the interviewer. This inquiry demonstrates your confidence and interest and gives you important information. Finally, ask for a business card so you can send a thank you letter within 24 hours. If no card is available, make sure you learn the correct spelling of the interviewer's first and last name.