Interviewing: 20 Rules To Follow

Whether you are just starting out or well into your career, interviewing can make you nervous.  It can also make you forget the basic etiquette rules.  Sometimes it’s the ‘little’ things that show you are a professional.  When anyone gives their time to you, they deserve your appreciation.  The first rule of networking or interviewing is to give a good first impression so don’t forget:

1.  When you ask for help made a reasonable, specific request.  Make sure the person you are asking can do it and can do it easily.

2.  Be enthusiastic and appreciative.  Remember, their time is valuable.

3.  Respond to any replies or inquiries, immediately.  If you can wait days to reply, why should the person help you?

4.  Be on time for meeting whether in person or on the phone/online.

5.  Prepared in advance.  When you meet/speak you should have a set of objectives or questions ready.

6.  Write thank you notes right away to show your appreciation for their help/time.  Make sure to include details from your conversations and, if you were referred, copy that person on your note or send them a note to say you followed up and thank them for the connection.

7.  Respond to scheduling or other requests from HR or recruiters.  If you cannot do something quickly, let them know when you can do it — “I’ll send the information from home this evening. ”

8.  Ask who will be interviewing you.  You want to go online to find out their backgrounds before the interview.

9.  You want to be on time so allow for security, transit problems etc.

10.  Be friendly and professional with everyone you meet.

11.  Know the basics about the company.  Visit the web site and review the history, products, recent news, their competition.

12.  Review the job description to make sure you understand the expectations of the position and what you have done in each of the responsibilities listed.

13.  Prepare some questions to ask to show your interest in job/company.

14.  Pay attention to the conversations.  If you can, jot down notes afterward so you don’t forget anything.

15.  Within a few hours, write thank you notes to your interviewer (s).

16.  Send individual notes citing something specific from that particular meeting.

17.  Copy the HR/recruiter on these notes so they know you sent a note and your interest.

18.  Also send a separate note to the HR/recruiter, thanking them for setting up the meetings and your interest.

19.  If someone helped you with this interview or referred you, send them a note telling them that you interviewed, who you met and your interest.

20.  As the HR/recruiter when to follow-up and with whom.

There are lots of steps involved and they are easy to skip when you are busy.  Little things do count!