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Interview etiquette – How do I behave at interview?

First impressions really do count!

• Your interview begins the moment you step inside the organisation.  Be courteous and friendly towards everyone you meet, starting with the receptionist.  Switch off your mobile telephone as soon as you arrive.
• The impression you create in the first 60 seconds can be very important in creating the right rapport between you and the interviewer(s).
• It is natural to feel nervous before an interview but try to relax as much as you can, make an effort to present a lively appearance and greet the interviewer(s) with a firm handshake.  If it is a panel interview (see section on Panel Interviews), you are also expected to shake hands with all of them not just one.
• NB: For cultural or religious reasons, some candidates may decline to shake hands with the interviewer(s) – this is an issue which is open to debate but due to interview custom and practice in the UK, could be interpreted negatively.  If you wish not to shake hands with the interviewer(s), make sure you explain your reasons clearly and courteously. 
• Wait to be seated – don’t just assume one of the chairs is yours!
• If you are a smoker, make sure you have mints or spray to remove the tobacco smell before you enter the building.
• Be careful about accepting a drink of water, tea or coffee.  Where will you balance the cup and saucer?  Will you be able to drink and talk with composure?  On the other hand, it could help you to have a glass of water nearby if your throat runs a bit dry …..

Body Language

Body language is as much a part of communication as any form of language!  Initial impact is made within the first few seconds and research has shown that in face-to-face situations, the effect of communication may be broken down as follows:

• Non verbal signals / body language (clothes, gestures, posture)    55%
• Tone of voice    37%
• Message content (words used)    8%

It can be confidently assumed that the split will place more emphasis on the tone and rhythm of the conversation than the words themselves.  The above does not mean you can talk rubbish or switch off and miss something vital!  Think about it – employers want to employ someone they perceive will fit well in the company, be happy in their work and get on with other staff.

There are four important areas of non-verbal communication worth paying attention to:

1. Eye Contact – Try to maintain sensible eye contact; look at the interviewer during the conversation but without staring.  Eye contact conveys listening, interest and honesty.  If it is a panel interview, look (mainly) at the interviewer who is asking the question but also make sure you glance at or include the others on the panel when responding.
   NB: For cultural or religious reasons, some candidates may find “eye contact” inappropriate or uncomfortable – again, this is an issue which is open to debate – but due to interview “custom and practice” in the UK, avoiding eye contact may well be interpreted negatively (i.e. not listening / interested or you may have something to hide…)
2. Facial expression – Smiling naturally and frequently indicates a good rapport with the interviewer and indicates that you are confident and relaxed and potentially can fit into the team.  Be careful to avoid the “embarrassed” smile, or the fixed grin
3. Posture – Sit well back and comfortably in the chair. Relax (but be careful not to slouch) with your feet firmly on the ground.  You may want to lean slightly forward at various points to demonstrate you are listening and interested (but don’t over do it as you may invade their space).  Keep your hands relaxed on your lap or on the arm of the chair and avoid fiddling or fidgeting with pens, clothing or hair.
4. Gestures – Avoid too much gesticulation and “sketching” points in the air, which can detract from the message and may be seen as aggressive. Try and find the right balance – no movement at all is not natural and may be considered as passive and rigid behaviour.  If you have the tendency to fling your arms around, you may be better off clasping them on your lap.

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