"Interview Etiquette: The Things Nobody Tells You"

Interview etiquette begins before you step foot in the building. Receptionists often share stories about candidates who were rude or distracted. Recruiters discuss their observations with hiring managers. Even the short walk from the lobby to the interview room contributes to the assessment, as nervous individuals may exhibit different behaviors based on their perception of who is observing them.

The most fundamental etiquette rule is to treat everyone in the office as if you were interacting with the person ultimately deciding your employment. Before the interview, research the individuals who will be interviewing you. Look them up on LinkedIn to learn their name, role, and a notable accomplishment. Being prepared to introduce yourself by name upon their introduction demonstrates readiness.

Check the interview format the night before. Determine if it is a one-on-one, panel interview, or virtual. Confirm if any tests or presentations are involved. Being equipped for the correct format prevents surprises during the interview. Put your phone on silent or airplane mode before entering the interview space. Notifications during an interview are irretrievable and can disrupt the conversation.

During the interview, extend a handshake (or an equivalent gesture) if offered, and reciprocate if not. In a video interview, greet the person joining as they appear on your screen. Use their name once within the first minute of the conversation. Refrain from overusing their name. If refreshments are offered, accept them. A sip of water provides a moment of respite before answering challenging questions and allows you to manage hand movements.

Maintain an upright sitting position without appearing overly desperate. Leaning too far forward or slumping conveys distraction. Keep your posture natural and avoid crossing your arms, as this can suggest defensiveness. When listening, maintain eye contact with the speaker, not your notes or the wall. Nodding occasionally conveys engagement without becoming intrusive.

Do not overshare information unrelated to the interview prompt. The most common mistake candidates make is filling silences with unnecessary details, such as elaborating on why they left a previous job. Respond to the question at hand, and if further information is requested, the interviewer will ask.

In video interviews, the etiquette remains consistent, though body language signals differ. Direct eye contact is achieved by looking at the camera, not the screen. Most individuals unconsciously look at the image of the person they are speaking to, which can appear as if they are looking down and away. Looking directly at the camera demonstrates engagement and directness.

Arriving late to a video interview has more significant consequences than arriving late in person. The first impression cannot be recovered as easily. Enter the video call 2-3 minutes before the scheduled start time, ensuring you are set up and ready. If your background is unprofessional or distracting, address the issue. A blurred or neutral background is acceptable; a messy room with visible clothing is not.

Conduct background research and employ proper etiquette during the interview. Asking informed questions about the team's recent work or the company's challenges demonstrates preparation. Conversely, asking easily-answerable questions, such as those that can be found in a brief online search, indicates a lack of preparation. See the "Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview" for examples of effective inquiries.