Christine Kent

Hi Everyone,

When last we met, we tackled the issue of how you should dress for a job interview and I got such a great response that I wanted to chat this week about how you should act during a job interview. Let’s be honest, no one likes job interviews, and interview situations can be a bit tricky to navigate. What do you say? Just as important, what don’t you say? Should you be cavalier and overly confident, or should you be humble and let your resume speak for itself? We all tend to get a little nervous when the interview situation comes upon us, but how can we avoid the pitfalls and rise to the occasion? Well, fear no more! I’m here to shed some light in those dark areas of the job interview. Yes, that’s right. I’m going there. Let me enlighten you on Interview Etiquette.

To get started, let's go over the basics that need little explanation. First, always arrive early. You don’t have to arrive super early, but 15 minutes is a good cushion. Arriving early will ensure that you don’t feel rushed and it will also eliminate the possibility of being late (which really can cost you the job). Also, be sure to turn your cell phone off before the interview. I know this one is hard for some of us, but trust me when I say that you can be incommunicado for 30-45 minutes, and the world will not blow up. Also, be sure to shake hands with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake. Strange as it sounds, a weak handshake does denote a weak character, so be firm and confident when shaking the interviewers hand.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s move onto the main topic of Interview Etiquette I know Interview Etiquette sounds more like something your mother brought up to you before a fancy family dinner, but it’s actually a necessary basis to today’s successful interview process. Following proper Interview Etiquette will not only reflect well on you as a person and as a professional, but it may very well be the key to landing the job! Below I’ve listed some tips to keep in mind during an interview.
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Smile, Baby, Smile! - We are all guilty of being a little ‘down in the mouth,” from time to time, especially if your job search has gone on for too long. Nothing kicks you in the morale faster or more effectively than feeling like no one wants you. However, when you go into any interview situation you should always act very upbeat and positive. No one wants to hire a Debbie or Daniel Downer, but that can spread like wildfire. Pessimism can be catchy, but optimism can be just as catchy! Be the positive, upbeat person the employer wants to hire. It’s proven that a smile can be heard in your voice, so smile naturally throughout the interview. Try not to be nervous. Keep in mind that this is simply a business meeting, and a “get to know you” session. There is nothing to fear, and if it doesn’t work out there will be other interviews. So walk in with a smile and a bright attitude, anxious to explore the possibilities of entering into a mutually beneficial working arrangement. Believe it or not, interviews can be fun!

No Badmouthing - Many looking for jobs are doing so because they don’t like their current work situation, or because they were downsized, let go, or otherwise dismissed for one reason or another from their previous work experience. This is understood, but should never be vocalized or insinuated. I know when an interviewer asks, “So why are you looking for a new opportunity,” your first instinct is to smirk or tell them exactly how much you hate your current situation. However, that’s the last thing you should do. No one wants to hear about your bad experience or why you and your boss don’t get along. Always speak well of your current and former employers. Speaking ill of them shows a petty side that you don’t want your potential new employer to see. Also, if you speak poorly of your current or past employer, the interview will wonder if you would do the same to them down the road. So, leave the nasty facial expressions and the negative comments at the door. Instead, when they asks this type of question convey to them that you really enjoyed your tenure at your previous role, but that you feel the time is right for you to grow professionally and move forward on your career path.

Research, Research, Research - Every employer wants to know that the person they are considering knows what they do, cares about what they, and wants to be a part of the process. So, don’t just wing it. Check out the employer’s website. Do some serious research. Read the trades and find out what projects they are working and what’s in their pipeline. Since entertainment is first and foremost a business, you should also search for information on financial websites. Get creative in your research and leave no stone unturned. Also, check for any philanthropies the company might support. Not only will this show you what is important to their company culture, but it could also open up some good volunteering opportunities to you, as well. The informed candidate is a successful candidate.

Be Flexible - I know this one can be a bit difficult, because we all have lives outside of the workplace, but the last thing you want to do is go into a job interview with an unwillingness to budge. Instead, be as flexible as you possible can when talking about working arrangements and schedules. Many times in interviews, the employer will list a “worst case scenario” and ask if you would be open to longer hours and more duties. Show them you are a team player, that you can roll with the punches and you’re open to change. Be the “willow” they want to hire, not the “oak” they pass on for the next candidate.

Showcase Your Experience - I love it when I’m interviewing a candidate and they relate a situation to me from a past job experience that illustrates a skill set they will need for the role we are discussing. It helps me to see them in that situation and in that job, and gives me confidence in moving them on to the next step in the interview process. So, be sure to come to the interview with examples of your previous experience. Also, be prepared to talk about times you saved your former or current employer money, or streamlined a process. Talk about actions you took and the results they garnered that were beneficial to your employer. These things should also be on your resume, but it is always good to discuss them openly with the interview, as well. Also, don’t assume the interviewer has read every inch of your resume. Many interviewers will, but some will just skim. It never hurts to reinforce what’s on the written page during your interview.

Emphasis Teamwork - Yep, that’s right, ALWAYS be a team player! To use a corny catch phrase, “there no ‘I’ in team,” so be sure to talk about being a good team player and always be willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. Employers want to hire employees that play well with others and are willing to put their combined efforts toward the greater good of the company. Be sure the interviewer knows that you work well in group situations and that you are a valuable member of any team effort.

Your Ever Increasing Knowledge - Employers love employees that continue to grow, so talk about how you want to be the best in your field and mention any continued schooling opportunities you have in the works. If you aren’t planning on increasing your knowledge base in a classroom, then talk about growth channels you are taking to achieve a higher form of excellence in your chosen profession. Not only does it speak to you as an employee, but it also speaks to your character and shows that you are always looking to better yourself. That kind of attitude is catchy, and employers want to hire employees that set a good example for others on the team.

These are just a few tips for you to keep in mind during the interview process. You will also want to follow up with a proper thank you. I’m a HUGE fan of the handwritten thank you note, but if time doesn’t allow an email will certainly do. No matter what method you chose, always be sure that you follow through and thank the person for their time.

Proper Interview Etiquette is a vital part of the successful interview process. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so be sure that your Interview Etiquette is up to speed and you are ready to present yourself with your best foot forward. Not only will you find the interview process more enjoyable, but following proper Interview Etiquette will send you to the top of the pack and help you to ultimately land the job!

Until next time...stay tuned!