Essential Interview Etiquette: What Job Seekers Often Overlook in Their Preparation

Hi,

There are some general tips i would like to give the job seekers. As a HR of an IT company, I interview quite a few people every week. There are some things i would expect from them pre and post interview.

All correspondence should be well produced. No Cut/Copy/Paste from other resumes.

Résumés when brought to the interview may be either photocopied or printed, but appearance and copy quality are important.

Always attach a cover letter to your Résumé when it is sent out by mail.

Don't send your resume everyday to the same company. Wait for a considerable amt of time and then resend it.

Send thank-you letters after interviews.

Be nice to front office executives and securities. You may be working with them soon.

Be on time for appointments.

Greet people by name, with a firm handshake and confident eye contact.

I have noticed that the candidates now have become very smart. With lots of sites available for improving the interview skills, they would know the answers to lot of possible questions, and would prepare for the questions. But many times they forget of the basic ettiquettes. You never know who is watching you.

Regards,

Soumya Shankar

I would like to add to the list of 'things to do' when attending interviews. Come prepared with specific examples of where and how you have applied the competencies required within the position you are applying for. Employers are looking for employees who will help them in their organization. If you are able to demonstrate how you can help a potential employer, then you improve the likelihood of gaining the position.

Hi John,

I agree with you that candidates have to prepare themselves; if not with anything, at least they should go through the website of the company. We have some case studies in our written test that we conduct for the candidates. The solution becomes much easier if you have seen the site at least once and understood the nature of the business.

The majority of the candidates don't feel it's necessary. They only update themselves on the possible interview questions.

Can you list some points in the 'To-Do List'?

Regards,
Soumya Shankar

Hi,

Another thing, in the end of the interview, if the interviewer asks "Do you want to ask anything from us?", try asking a few questions about the company. Even if he does not ask, then also put some questions. It gives the sense of sincerity. We should remember that an interview is a kind of one-to-one discussion.

Regards,
Dips