Biz Interviews Require Biz Etiquette
If you plan to participate in this fall’s on-campus interview season, you want to follow some basic rules of business etiquette. Here are the top three rules to keep in mind on the date of your interview:
Be Punctual. Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early. That allows you to take a deep breath before your interview begins. Please don’t arrive any earlier, and please, please don’t arrive late. Arriving late for an interview is rude and demonstrates a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time.
Shake hands. Your handshake should include a steady, firm grasp of the interviewer’s hand. If you wish, pump once or twice. Suffer from sweaty palms? Just glide your right hand across your slacks or skirt before you shake hands.
Make eye contact. This helps you establish trust and rapport. Eye contact should be direct but relaxed.
Also, keep in mind that it’s critical for you to sound comfortable and confident. Before the interview begins, commit to banishing all those “ohs,” “ahs” and “uhms” from your conversational voice.
I am off on a one week vacation. When I return, I’ll get you prepared for the lunch or dinner that often accompanies a call-back interview.
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