Post Interview Etiquette

An interview is tough work, tougher than writing a final exam: You may be mentally and physically prepared, but you don't know what kind of questions will be thrown at you, who will be asking them and how you will psychologically respond to them. Once an interview is over and done with, there is some etiquette you must follow - irrespective of the fact whether you get the job or not. Because a professional approach after the interview will stand you in good stead with your employers, or even if you haven't been hired, the people who have interviewed you will always remember you for your post-interview etiquette and attitude.

Here then is a small guide on post-interview etiquette:

1. Do not show any over-eagerness or emotion once the interview is over. If you didn't do your interview well, do not show overtly that you are very upset. Remain calm and collected, and keep your ears open. You've spoken during the interview, now hear out and remember the closing comments. And do not forget to thank the interviewees and wish them a polite goodbye. Each and every action of yours speaks out the strength of your character, and you never know what can impress or irritate the interviewing board members irrespective of how badly or well you fared in the interview.

2. As soon as the interview is over, make a note of all the important points that were discussed in the interview. Critical and strategic issues dealing with your role, responsibilities and promises of job enhancements may have been discussed during the interview, and it is better for you to jot them down rather than consign them to your memory.

3. After taking down the important notes, call up your recruitment agent, if you used his services, and inform him about what happened during the interview. Recruitment agencies know employers well and they can guess what is on their mind based on certain comments the employers might have made during the interview.

4. Always send or email an error-free "thank you" note to your interviewers. In your "thank you" letter, do not forget to apologize for any slip up you may have made during the interview, and before signing off, emphasize on your commitment to the job. Lastly, your letter must be short and sweet and to the point - no flowery language, no multiple pages, and you know the rest.

5. If your prospective employer says that he needs some time to think over your application, then do not call back or get in touch using indirect methods (friends, friends' friends, etc.). Give them the time they specified to decide your fate, and then get proactive and call them and make polite inquiries about your application. Do not display any eagerness or desperation while making the follow-up inquiry.

6. If you learn that you have not been selected for the job, inquire about the reasons and work around your shortcomings. And, even though you have not been hired, you must be courteous enough to send them a letter thanking them for calling you to the interview.

7. Once the interview is over, do not stop the process of hunting for other jobs because you never know what can come up. But do not pit one job against the other by telling prospective employers "I've appeared in a couple of other interviews too and I would appreciate if you could let me know your decision as soon as possible, or before so and so date because I need to make my decision." Do not pressurize your potential employer into taking a fast decision. This kind of bargaining is not appreciated in the corporate world.

8. Above all, remember that if you do not get the job, it is not the end of the world - there are many fish in the sea, and all you need to do is angle for another one.

In the end, an interview can be a fantastic experience - you learn more about others, your shortcomings show up along with your strengths and you come out of the experience mentally tougher. But, this happens only when you observe and absorb the goings-on in every interview and follow proper interview etiquette. So, work on all aspects of an interview and do everything right after the interview.

Here's wishing you all the luck for all your forthcoming interviews.

How to Prepare Yourself for a Job Interview

In order to land the job you have set your eyes on, interview preparation is one of the most significant tasks to pay attention to in the work world. Whether it is reviewing the type of questions you may randomly encounter or setting out the perfect interview attire in the morning, preparation is key for securing a position at a company or business. In this day and age, even the kind of shoes you wear to an interview can set you back in the thick pile of potential employees vying for your same opportunity.

Familiarize Yourself with Potential Interview Settings

While many job seekers prepare for the typically one-on-one job interview, they are unaware or do not recognize the importance for being ready for any type of interview setting. In some cases, interviews take place with more than one interviewer, such as a panel of executives with their own set of questions. Others may find themselves interviewing at the same exact time and setting as their closest competitors. Overall, there are five main types of interview settings you may encounter: screening, selection, group, panel, and stress.

The screening interview is often the first contact you will make with a potential employer. Typically, a member from human resources conducts this type of interview, which may take place over the telephone or in person. A copy of your resume will be handed in and everything on it will be verified. This is the time when your qualifications are assessed to see if you should reach the next level of the interviewing process.

A selection interview is often the process that causes the most stress. You have already been accepted as a qualified applicant, but will your personality and work ethic fit within the scheme of the company? This is the time where potential employees interact with the management, as well as others already on the team. Some will undergo more than one selection interview before a final decision is made.

The group interview involves the questioning of more than one job candidate at the same time. This is an attempt to separate the leaders from the followers. The natural leader will appear in a group, as they are a bit more aggressive in their actions and words. Sometimes, it isn’t a leader that an employer is looking for and is more interested in finding a "team player." The best way to handle this situation is to be yourself and let your natural talents speak for themselves.

With the panel interview, several different people will interview one candidate at the same time. For some, this is quite an intimidating situation as questions are rattled off in succession from a diverse group of questioners. Remaining calm and establishing your own link with each member is key. Making eye contact with all members of the panel during their question is also a positive move.

In a variety of highly competitive companies, a stress interview may arise. The technique involves the weeding out of potential employees who cannot handle the stress and hardship pertaining to a job. Flustering situations and odd questions might also be asked in attempt to see how a candidate will deal with such inquiries. This particular approach is less often encountered.

What to Wear on a Job Interview

The term, "dress for success" wasn't created for nothing. It is important to make a grand first impression with a potential employer. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through the clothes you wear. What you choose to wear to an interview (right down to the color) can leave a lasting afterthought. As a rule of thumb, the more conservative the job field you are entering, the more conservative your suit should be.

Men should stick with conservative suits (navy blue or dark gray) with a traditional shirt and tie. Dress shoes should be polished. Facial hair, visible piercings, and earrings are not recommended. For women, a solid color skirt or pant suit (preferably dark colors) is suggested with the use of limited accessories. It is also important to pay attention to the length of the skirt and neckline. No matter what season or temperature the day brings, pantyhose are a must. Too much jewelry or make-up is also a no-no and wearing perfume or cologne may adversely affect an interviewer's receptiveness.

When it comes to shoes, closed-toe selections should be worn. Under no circumstances should you walk into a job interview wearing a pair of sandals. Black shoes are your best bet because they tend to match with every outfit, including a navy blue suit. For women, the heel of the shoe should be kept low.

What To Bring and Know Before an Interview

Before your interview, you should already have directions to the site and give yourself enough time to get there and find a parking space. You should also plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Before leaving the house, check to see if you have extra copies of your resume, a list of references, a notepad, daily planner, pen and pencil in your possession.

Carrying a briefcase, folder, or portfolio will enhance your look of professionalism, but it is also a must to focus on additional details. You should know the name and title of the person you are meeting with (some people actually forget) and have already conducted research on the company and position you are applying for. Also, it is suggested to prepare for tough questions that might make you pause, including where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years.