- Rule #1: Respond to all interview scheduling promptly
- Rule #2: Do your homework
- Rule #3: Prepare for the interview
- Rule #4: Dress appropriately
- Rule #5: Be on time
- Rule #6: Be nice to everyone you encounter
- Rule #7: Silence your phone
- Rule #8: Watch your body language
- Rule #9: Stay positive
- Rule #10: Ask questions
- Rule #11: Stick the landing
- Rule #12: Send a thank you note
- Key takeaways
Interviewing is an art with its own set of rules and expectations, and it can be challenging to know what to do in the moment. We’ll give you the top 12 examples of job interview etiquette rules, so that you can be prepared no matter what comes your way.
There’s more to a great interview than just shaking hands and having an extra copy of your resume. Job interview etiquette involves preparation, practice, and—yes—confidence. But what is job interview etiquette and how can you excel at it?
By understanding the rules of job interview etiquette, both spoken and unspoken, you can ensure that you’ll ace any interview situation and get one step closer to landing the job of your dreams.
In this article, we’ll give you a lesson in “Job Etiquette 101” with the top 12 examples of job interview etiquette rules to follow so that you can do just that.
It might not always seem fair, but people do judge each other from the moment they meet. You’ve got a lot to keep in mind during an interview that could impact this.
So let’s make it easier by breaking it down into the “Five Cs” of interviewing:
Connection: Everything you do or say should work towards your goal of making a connection with your interviewer.
Communication: Answer any questions thoroughly but succinctly.
Credibility: Do you come across as believable, or are you just grandstanding?
Care: You need to demonstrate that you care about the company as well as the position.
Commitment: Ensure that the interviewer understands that you are “committed to the cause”—i.e., what you can do for the company.
These “Five Cs” are simply good job interview etiquette. Incorporating them into your interview improves your chances of leaving a favorable impression with the interviewer and assuring them that you’re the person they want to hire.
Rule #1: Respond to all interview scheduling promptly
Whether you’re contacted by email or phone to schedule your interview, make sure to respond quickly and politely. Don’t let messages sit in your voicemail or inbox for days; get back to them as soon as you’re able.
Responding to and accepting scheduling requests promptly demonstrates that this interview is important to you and that you respect the interviewer’s time.
Rule #2: Do your homework
Take the time to research the company and the role before your interview. Chances are, you’ll be asked something about the company and/or the industry during the interview, and saying “I don’t know” is never a good look.
Additionally, doing research ahead of the interview will help you express the value that you’d bring to the company’s unique mission, culture, and goals.
Above all, going into an interview without knowing much about the company and the challenges they face is unprofessional, and will make it seem like you don’t care about the job.
Rule #3: Prepare for the interview
As you’re well aware, it’s never a good idea to just “wing it” during an interview. Instead, you need to prepare for each interview ahead of time!
Not only will preparing boost your confidence during the interview, it will also help you prepare answers to common interview questions that showcase your relevant skills and achievements.
Preparation also helps you confidently convey your enthusiasm for the position and—just as with your company research—demonstrate that you take this opportunity seriously.
Rule #4: Dress appropriately
Choosing the appropriate outfit is key to mastering job interview etiquette. Not only does it demonstrate respect, but choosing an outfit that aligns with the company’s dress code (and takes it up a notch) also shows your enthusiasm and that you’ve done your research (see rule #2).
In general, business casual is a good choice, as it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed—even in a casual environment. Check out the company’s website to get an idea of the dress code, and choose your attire accordingly.
Rule #5: Be on time
We can’t stress this enough: don’t be late to your interview! In fact, try to be a few minutes early. Of course things happen, but lateness implies carelessness and can be perceived as being disrespectful of the interviewer’s time. That’s a big “no no” when it comes to job interview etiquette.
Make sure that you plan your driving route ahead of time and try to anticipate any obstacles, such as traffic or parking.
If you’re interviewing online, then well before the scheduled time, ensure that any needed equipment (such as your computer’s camera) is operational, the required video conferencing software is downloaded, and your lighting is sufficient.
Rule #6: Be nice to everyone you encounter
It’s a good rule in general to treat people the way you want to be treated, but it’s also very important during an interview. Treat everyone you meet, from the security guard to the receptionist (and even people in the elevator!), with kindness and respect.
Not only is it the right thing to do, but people talk to each other. Even if you ace the interview, if the executive assistant tells the hiring manager that you were rude, it will greatly decrease your chances of getting an offer.
Rule #7: Silence your phone
Don’t be the person who responds to a text during an interview! Put your phone on silent and keep it in your bag or pocket during the entire interview.
Taking a phone call mid-interview, or even looking at your phone, tells the interviewer that you don’t take this opportunity seriously. It’s also just plain rude.
Job interview etiquette demands that you give your interviewer your full, undivided attention. Everything else can wait.
Rule #8: Watch your body language
Believe it or not, how you comport yourself says as much about you as your interview answers. Non-verbal cues, such as your tone, facial expressions, and posture, are also important and can support—or diminish—your credibility as a candidate.
Consider practicing your body language ahead of time, as part of your interview prep. Either record yourself or rehearse in front of a mirror. Sure, it might feel awkward, but seeing yourself as others see you will help you ensure that you’re giving a cohesive and consistent message. It’s just good etiquette.
When you’re interviewing, make sure that you do the following:
Maintain as much eye contact as you’re comfortable with, but don’t go overboard (staring is creepy).
Use a firm handshake, and let go after one or two “shakes.” Make sure that your hands are dry!
Sit up straight, and don’t slouch or look at your watch.
Smile and nod at appropriate times to show that you’re engaged in the conversation.
Watch out for filler words like “um” and “you know.”
Don’t cross your arms or fidget in your seat.
Still unsure of how to act in your interview? Consider using a technique called “mirroring.”
Mirroring doesn’t mean doing an exact impression of another person; it’s the psychological technique of subtly matching another person’s mannerisms, body language, or even tone of voice in order to establish a connection and build rapport.
For example, if the interviewer nods, you can nod in response to show that you’re actively listening. Or, if the interviewer speaks more slowly and deliberately, you can match their cadence and tone in your responses.
Basically, it’s all about making the other person feel comfortable in your presence, and letting them know that you truly want to be there.
Rule #9: Stay positive
Good job interview etiquette demands avoiding anything negative. If you badmouth a former employer, your interviewer will wonder if you’ll someday do the same to them.
If you’re asked something that could sound negative, try to turn it into a positive. Focus on your skills and achievements, or what lessons you learned from the experience, rather than what you didn’t like about your last job.
Rule #10: Ask questions
Have you ever been in an interview and the interviewer asked if you had any questions for them? Did you struggle to come up with any” This is a faux pas that you really want to avoid.
People are interested in people who are interested in them, and having questions ready to go that you want to ask shows that you’re prepared, you’ve done your homework, and this opportunity is important to you.
During your interview prep, put together a list of relevant questions to ask the interviewer. Not only is this good job interview etiquette, but it also demonstrates that you’re a capable, curious candidate and helps set you apart from the crowd. Win win!
Rule #11: Stick the landing
It’s always a good idea to end the interview on a strong note. When it’s over, don’t just get up and leave. Thank the interviewer for their time, smile, and shake hands. It’s also not a violation of etiquette to restate your interest in the position, so take the opportunity to do that.
Remember, your interview doesn’t end the moment you reach for your coat—it continues until you drive out of the parking lot. Remember to be considerate and professional all the way through, and you’ll leave a great impression.
Rule #12: Send a thank you note
Sending a thank you note isn’t just for wedding gifts or presents from grandma. It’s expected after an interview too, and is considered important job interview etiquette.
As soon as you can after the interview, send a thank you email to your interviewer(s). Express your appreciation for their time and consideration, and reiterate your interest in the position as well as why you’d be a good match.
Want to take it up a notch? Follow up your email with a handwritten note. Not only is it a nice touch, it will also set you apart from the other applicants.
Need some help preparing for your next interview? Check out career.io’s Interview Prep tool, which creates customized mock interviews and personalized feedback to help you go into your next interview with confidence.
Key takeaways
Job interview etiquette involves preparation, practice, and confidence.
When incorporating job interview etiquette into your interview prep, keep in mind the “Five Cs”: Connection, Communication, Credibility, Care, and Commitment.
Good job interview etiquette includes responding promptly, doing your research, dressing appropriately, being prompt and considerate, asking questions, and sending a thank you note.
