Job Interview Etiquette is a popular topic for job seekers. Everyone wants to know they are doing the right things and more importantly, not doing anything that will knock them out of the running by their manners. Here, is our list of tips on what your interview etiquette should focus on: 

1. Arrive early to the interview. Show up 5 to 15 minutes before the interview. If you arrive earlier than this, go to a nearby coffee shop or wait in your car. Do not be late or too early as you will put undo pressure on the interviewer. 

2.  Show respect for the interviewer.  Regardless of the age, gender, nationality, race, etc of the interviewer, be sure to treat them with the utmost respect.  Remember their name and how to pronounce it.  If their name is hard to pronounce, ask them to repeat it so that you can get it down.  They will appreciate the extra effort. 

3.  Be friendly, polite and accommodating.  When you are in the interview you want act business professional, but to also be warm and friendly.  Remember they are measuring how you will fit in with the rest of the team so be sure to be accommodating during your interview. 

4.  Be prepared.  It is important to come to an interview ready.  It shows respect to the interviewer and makes you look like a better candidate.  In particular, you should: 

       a.  Have practiced answering interview questions. 

       b.  Know exactly what job you are interviewing for. 

       c.  Have copies of all your documents (resume, transcripts, writing samples, supplemental narrative, etc.) 

       d.  Get the names and addresses of interviewers for thank you letters. 

5.  Ask them for their business card.  This is a sign of respect.  In the Japanese culture, the business card is revered as a very important symbol.  You will be using the business card to get contact information to help send thank you cards to them. 

6.  Firm handshake for the interviewer.  In most English speaking countries, a firm handshake is recommended regardless of gender.  However, if you are interviewing for a position in Mexico and some other countries a firm handshake is considered aggressive.  Essentially, I am saying adjust your handshake to the custom of the country where the job is in. 

7.  Look your interviewer in the eye.  While answering questions and listening to the interviewer, be sure you are looking the interviewer in the eye.  This is another sign of respect and it adds credibility to your answers.  If you afraid to look someone in the eye while you are talking, they may erroneously believe you are being deceptive with your answer or too shy for the position. 

8.  Dress appropriately for the interview.  It is important to dress conservatively for the interview even if it is a company that has a relaxed dress code.  This is a sign of respect to them.  Also, do not dress flashy or above the station of the position.  Some interviewers may hold these things against you if you do. 

9.  Ask questions you are interested in.  If you have done your research appropriately, there should be a number of questions that you will want to ask the interviewer.  Be sure to pick out a few as this shows that you are truly interested in the position and is another sign of courtesy to the interviewer. 

10.  Send thank you letters.  This simple gesture can sometimes make the difference in whether you get the job or not.  Be sure to take advantage of it. 

By using these tips, your job interview etiquette should be on par with the most professional business people in the world.  Recognize that it may take some time to apply all of these tips effectively as etiquette is more art than science. 

*Make sure you are doing the single most important thing when preparing for your next job interview, check it out at practice job interview.