The Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Job Interview: Your Interview Etiquette Guide

Landing the dream job isn’t just about having the perfect resume.

The interview is your chance to shine, showcase your skills, and convince the hiring manager you’re the ideal candidate. But with nerves running high, even the most qualified individual can stumble. Here’s where knowing interview etiquette becomes a game-changer.

In this blog, we’ll break down the essential do’s and don’ts to navigate your interview with confidence and leave a lasting positive impression. From pre-interview prep to post-interview follow-up, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to ace every step of the process.

So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, this guide will be your secret weapon for interview success!

The Do’s

  1. Do your homework

A lack of knowledge about the organisation is a red flag for an employer. Therefore, you must conduct research— your homework, before appearing for the interview. If your first step toward interview preparation is strong, you will never lose charge of your professional growth and development.

But what is it that you must learn about the company during your research? Here are the key areas.

  •  History
  • The current line of products or services
  • Market share
  • Number of employees
  • Competitors
  1. Prepare questions

The current interview scenario says it’s not only the interviewer who interviews the candidates. In fact, job seekers interview the interviewer, too. Simply put, it is a two-way process. Factually, candidates asking questions from the hiring managers at the end of the interview is interview etiquette.  Having queries for the employers shows you are truly interested and have put your energy into securing the position.

Examples of good questions are:

  • Can you tell me about the career paths you offer?
  • What is the biggest challenge that your organisation faces?
  • What would be the day-to-day responsibilities?
  • Will there be any training within the role?
  • Where does the company see itself five years from now?

Must Read: Important Questions To Ask Your Potential Employer In An Interview

  1. Dress the part

You must dress appropriately to show you take the interview seriously and show your interview etiquette. Besides, you must also work on personal grooming and cleanliness. You can also check the employer’s dress code, and if you don’t consider doing it, prefer wearing a professional-looking outfit.

  1. Act calm & confident

This is an interview preparation tip that candidates find challenging, but given what is at stake, you must act calm & confident. Usually, employers don’t prefer hiring candidates with low confidence levels. So, you must practice keeping yourself composed and confident.  

  1. Greet the staff

Make sure to greet the receptionist or the assistant staff you meet as soon as you enter the employer’s premises. You must be courteous and respectful toward them. And you never know when the employer will consider your behaviour a yardstick to measure your candidacy’s potential. 

  1. Maintain eye contact

Candidates maintaining eye contact with the hiring managers often have a leg up on the competition. That being the case, you must maintain comfortable eye contact with the interviewer and not look elsewhere while the interviewer speaks. 

  1. Listen carefully

Listening carefully to the interviewer is one of the most crucial job interview tips that can help you carve your dream career. Let the interviewer finish before you begin responding, and you can always request them to repeat the question if you couldn’t understand it the first time. After all, you have to be a good listener to become a good speaker.

  1. Mention what sets you apart

Play your part well by mentioning how you can be an asset to the organisation. As a matter of fact, hiring managers cannot judge what you can bring to the organisation. So on that account, you must step forward and narrate it to them so they can make a quick decision.

Explore Career Advice & Interview Tips

The Don’ts

  1. Don’t be late

Your first impression lasts longer than you can imagine. Moreover, punctuality is crucial in today’s world, and employers seek people who value time. Therefore, showing up even a few minutes late will portray you in a bad light and give the employer a reason not to consider you for the position.

  1. Don’t lie

When you are in the moment, refrain from telling a lie or bending the truth. Even if you lie about your professional life, the employer will still employ their due diligence to counter-check before making an offer. 

  1. Don’t talk badly about your previous employer

Avoid bashing your previous employer, assuming it is acceptable to talk badly about them to get the job. The reason is hiring managers want to see positivity, and exhibiting a pessimistic approach will make you lose the offer.

  1. Don’t interrupt or dominate the conversation  

There is a fine line between being confident and dominating the conversation. Understand the difference, and remember you are in a discussion, not a debate. Be respectful, and don’t let your interpersonal skills overpower the other person.

  1. Don’t be overly modest 

Being humble is a good sign and shows you have mastered interview etiquette. But an interview is an opportunity for you to talk about yourself. So don’t waste it by being overly modest. Instead, be confident and maintain a sense of professionalism.

Final Words

Now that you are familiar with the top-rate job interview tips, it’s time to show them off to the world. 

Prepare, prepare & prepare to face the competitive world while keeping our interview preparation guide in mind. And no one can stop you from earning the job you want.

Visit our job page if you are looking to level up your professional growth or get in touch with our team at Cornerstone Global Partners Singapore to help you in your career transition.

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