The purpose of etiquette is to even the playing field in any situation and to make all parties as comfortable as possible by knowing what to expect from a social perspective.

As you go into your interview, you enter an existing culture where there are norms, customs and expectations. To the degree that it is possible, demonstrate by your behavior that you fit into the culture seamlessly. Your knowledge and practice of etiquette is your key to the new culture.

Below are some main points:

• The Handshake—Although we have all been shaking hands practically since we started to walk, a few key elements have to be stressed:

o Smile!

o Make eye contact

o Shake web-to-web with some pressure

• Avoid the “dead fish” handshake which is only with the fingers with no pressure and a downward pull—unless you intend to insult the other person

o Extend your hand in a vertical manner. A downward palm is viewed as aggressive; an upward palm is viewed as passive

o Make sure your hands are warm, clean and dry before shaking

o Upon meeting 2-3 pumps are appropriate; if the meeting went well, 3-4 pumps are appropriate upon ending the interview

o Don’t touch the other person with your free hand; it is viewed as aggressive

• These days some interviews are conducted over a meal in a restaurant. The purpose of this technique is to observe how the interviewee would interact with clients in this less formal setting. Don’t be lulled into thinking that this is a casual interview. It is purely business.

If you are in this position, here are a few tips:

• Focus on the interview. The meal is only a test

• NEVER order or drink alcohol—even if the interviewers drink; remain sharp

• Don’t speak with your mouth full

• Don’t come very hungry

• The best foods to eat are fruit, yogurt and salads in small portions if appropriate; avoid crunchy foods

• Order foods that are neat and easy to manage—avoid spaghetti and other messy choices

• Order foods that show that you live a healthy lifestyle

• Although I said this under “attitude” it bears repeating: LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AT HOME or at least turn it off; do not take or make calls

• The Follow-up:

• In spite of the fact that this is the computer age, a typed and mailed letter of thanks will make you stand out in the field of competitors

• Thank your interviewer for their time and for any tips that they shared with you

• You can also ask whether it is alright for you to follow up with a phone call

Contact me with any questions or comments!

Good Luck!

Now that you’ve made it in the door here are a few tips that will help you impress your potential employer and set the stage for getting the position you seek:

• Always research the company online.  If you know anyone who works there get as much information as possible from that person, as well.
  • Check Facebook and Twitter.  Become a fan of the company on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.  This will give you information you would not have otherwise and demonstrates your dedication, enthusiasm and desire to work for that company
  • Search for the company name on the Internet—Google and Google News in particular to get as much background as possible about the company and the interviewer
  • If you know anyone who works there get as much information as possible from that person, as well.
  • Become as informed as possible about the areas of excellence and challenges of the company so that you can tell the interviewer how your skills can help resolve challenges.
  • Go to www.Glassdoor.com and review their Interview Questions and Reviews.  This section will give you insight into what interviewers asked and will give you information as to how difficult the interview was from actual people who interviewed recently..
  • Never be negative about a prior employer.  It will reflect badly on you.
  • Employers are looking for people who fit in with the corporate structure.  Look around you.  “Speed-read” your interviewer.  That means tune in to those who are interviewing and try to mirror them.  Notice their body language, the rate and volume of their speech and their behaviors.
  • In terms of salary:  Go to www.About.com and visit their Salary Center.  This will give you survey information on a great number of fields.  This web site will also give you a great deal of information on job-hunting in general.
  • Always think of how YOU can serve the company.  You are much more employable if you think about what you can contribute rather than about what they can give you.

Tomorrow:  Etiquette for the Job Interview