Interview Etiquette

What does etiquette really mean?

Etiquette serves as a framework to promote positive social interactions, build relationships, and foster a harmonious and respectful engagement. It helps us navigate both social and professional situations with confidence, ease, and consideration for others, enhancing one’s personal and professional relationships and opportunities.?

Not that many years ago people would be taught this at school, books on your head to learn to walk gracefully and sit up straight, not being permitted to write with your left hand, learning table manners, always saying please and thank you, learning to wait patiently to eat only once everyone is served.? You may remember handwriting lessons at school? Or letter writing practice?? Much of this now (sadly) is a thing of the past. So, I think it needs to be discussed.

Broken down for interview purposes etiquette looks something like this;

• Professional Demeaner - Maintain a professional demeanour throughout the interview process, including in your interactions with all stakeholders.
• Adaptability - Be adaptable to different interview formats, whether in-person, virtual, or panel interviews, and adjust your behaviour accordingly.
• Authenticity - Strive to be genuine and authentic in your responses, as authenticity can leave a lasting positive impression.
• Empathy - Show empathy towards the interviewer's perspective and the challenges they may face in the hiring process.
• Cultural Sensitivity - Be mindful of cultural differences, both in communication styles and etiquette, especially in multinational or diverse organisations.
• Respect for Time - Value the interviewer's time by being concise yet thorough in your responses and adhering to agreed-upon interview durations.
• Graciousness in Rejection - If you decide the role isn't right for you, decline respectfully, thanking the interviewer for the opportunity and providing constructive feedback if appropriate.

Now let’s address some of the Do’s and Don'ts of the modern day interview process:

Interview DO's:

• Always Be Early - This may sound like stating the obvious, but you’ll be surprised how often candidates don’t allow enough time and are late to an interview. Moreso with online video interviews.? Give yourself the extra 5-10 minutes before the agreed start time, this instantly kicks off the process with a positive impression. No matter how well the interview might go, you can never guarantee the sour taste left by poor punctuality.
• Do Your Homework - Nothing worse than attending an interview without some knowledge of the company in your back pocket. Researching the business and the people you are meeting is a basic requirement. As someone in Finance, It’s in your best interest to research said company’s financials too!
• Scrub Up - Did you know; candidates only have 7 seconds to make a good first impression.? Post Covid, video interviews have been a huge part of the interview process, for finance roles, 85% of all 1st stage interviews are conducted as a video call. Even if you’re not going to meet the hiring manager face-to-face, it’s customary to have your camera on and be presentable. If you’re working from home, don’t join the call with scruffy hair and sat on your couch wearing a hoodie (yes it happens!). Take the time to put on a collared shirt or work appropriate top, fix your hair, and do your best to look like the top candidate the employer is searching for and you’ll be guaranteed to make a great impression.

Interview DON’TS:

• Try Not To Leave Them Hanging - Did you know 76% of all rejections stem from unprofessional correspondence? Communication is key, especially during an interview process. Do your best to reply to all correspondence in a timely and polite manner. If someone sends you a VC link, reply politely letting them know you have received it and are looking forward to speaking. Even when arranging a time, make sure it’s a time that you can 100% commit too, ideally as soon as possible to speed up the hiring process. The employer will be grateful that you have valued their time and are keen enough on the role to be in regular communication.
• Avoid Coming To The Table Empty Handed - This is more a figure of speech, we’re not saying bring a bottle of wine to your video call! Come prepared with a question, and not just about salary! Be engaged in the interview, take notes and ask questions where appropriate. The hiring manager wants to know you are invested in their business and that you’re taking the interview process seriously. Coupled with a little research about the business and you will make a positive, lasting impression on the employer.
• Don't Be Too Keen - I know we have talked about making sure the hiring manager knows you’re interested, but some people take it too far. Whether you’re dealing with an agency or the business direct, patience can be a virtue! I know it can be frustrating and stressful awaiting feedback or awaiting to hear about a ?2nd stage interview, but if you are constantly calling and emailing the business directly about your interview, stop yourself. You should have confidence that you are the right candidate for the role and sometimes over-eager candidates can come across as rude and impatient. There’s a right way to follow up with people and as long as you are polite and patient, you can’t go wrong.

?

To wrap it up, I wanted to share an interesting fact; did you know 61% of senior executives claim the best time to have interviews is between 9 AM and 11 AM? So if you’re ever given the opportunity to dictate a time you know what to opt for ??

Makes sense when you think about it, arranging an interview for early in the day, when the eyes are bright and the mind sharp!

Please do follow our company page for regular updates on live roles and market information! - https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/searchiveapp/

If you are considering a move within Finance, register on our website for access to live opportunities - www.searchive.co.uk/candidates

If you’re interested in the subject of etiquette I would highly recommend these books by the Post family;

"Emily Post's Etiquette: Manners for a New World" by Peggy Post, Anna Post, Lizzie Post, and Daniel Post Senning: This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on modern etiquette, covering topics such as social, business, dining, wedding, and online etiquette.

"The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success" by Peter Post: Written by the great-grandson of Emily Post, this book focuses on business etiquette, offering valuable insights and strategies for building professional relationships and navigating workplace dynamics.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/searchiveapp/