By learning and exercising good etiquette, we not only show respect to ourselves and other people, but also to the company we work for. You can represent your company in the best way possible.
Being well mannered means treating others with courtesy and kindness.
Are you able to control your behaviour for your own and the benefit of others?
Acting with grace and class is also important in the workplace. You may have the best technical skills or shine with intelligence, but if you cannot supplement it with good manners, you may be missing on progressing with your career.
When a corteges employee work with others, his grace and tact emulates to others and often employers reward such influence.
With today's business environment, people of various ethnicities, race and backgrounds work together. Adding to it bad behaviour and poor attitude creates more barriers and misunderstandings.
We know that after the bad first impression, it is very hard to change it. You almost need to create your own brand to present yourself to be most appealing. You clothing, grooming and body language play a big role in it. Therefore you should present yourself the best you possibly can. What you say also reflects who you are. You want your words to built others rather than upset or make someone angry.
The ability to remember names and shake someones hand properly when introducing yourself will make others feel comfortable around you. You must conduct yourself properly in any business situation.
Today, we will look at the interviews to allow you to show yourself from the best angle!
Interviews
Before you secure an interview, read and learn as much as possible about the company. Read annual reports, memorise names. You can get the information by browsing online or reading the company's website. Try to find information about their culture, formality of the business, new products, marketing strategies.
When you send the company your resume, always send a cover letter. It should be personalised, short and to the point. Hiring managers don't have much time reading pages and pages about each and every applicant. Briefly highlight your qualifications and state your interest in the job. Do not discuss personal interests, including weight, height, age. Potential employees are generally not interested in this information. Ensure that your cover letter as well as the resume is not too generic. Try to customise it. Use gramma and spelling checks.
In regards to your CV, one page should be enough for you to present yourself. Unless you are going for higher level position, additional page can be added. But not more than that! List your skills first, your work experience in chronological order, and then your education.
After you have sent your resume and cover letter, the next step would be the follow up call. But, check the policy when applying whether calls are acceptable. You should never call or even show up at the company uninvited. But, if call is allowed, you must prepare for it. Your goal is to speak and sound intelligently.
Always introduce yourself
Provide additional information politely if asked
Explain briefly that you are calling in regards to your resume
If you are living a voice-mail, leave brief message - include your name and telephone number, and at the end of the message repeat name and number slowly
Always say "Thank you!"
In terms of your clothes a dark suit with white blouse and polish shoes should always work. Loose flashy jewellery and excessive perfume.
In recent years, however, the dress code has become much more relaxed in many companies. Either way, you want to make the best impression and show you have made an effort. If you are not wearing a business suit for job interview, your attire should still reflect that you respect yourself. Try to choose an outfit suitable for the work you would be doing. If the job is in the office environment button down shirt or blouse will be perfect. Tattoos and piercing should not be visible so remove your piercing ornaments ahead of time.
Practice, practice, practice
At the interview you want to communicate to the interviewer that you are the best person for the job. You must really carefully practice interviews. We know already that face to face communication os around 60% body language, 35% tone of your voice and 5% of what you say. You need to understand and be aware of your own body language. Be aware of your breathing, facial expressions and your posture.
Research as much as possible about common interview questions and best answers. You may also want to videotape yourself to hear your responses. As much as what you say is important, but how you say it, also plays a crucial role. You practice will be best in the clothes you prepare for an interview, sitting on a chair with a mirror to observe your posture and your mannerism. Do not fidget! Do not ramble on. Try to keep the answers short and concise. You should also should not be overly friendly, but remain professional.
Relax
On the day of the interview, it is important to relax. Breath deeply and try to soften your muscles. Meditation is a great way of softening, relaxing of body and mind. During meditation breathing you keep oxygen flowing to your brain. If you are nervous, it may prevent you from being able to negotiate and prevent the change of getting the job.
When you arrive at the office, ensure you are on time. If you are driving allow extra time for traffic or delays, but do not knock to the door an hour early. You need to be there 10 minutes before the interview time. This will help you to relax further and prepare or even freshen up.
Ensure, that you learn proper pronunciation of the interviews names. But you do not call them by their first name, until they allow you to drop the titles and surname. Bring few copies of your CV, notebook and a pen. Leave all the unnecessary items in the car. Be nice and kind to everyone in the building, from receptionist, security or anyone helping you finding the interviewer. If someone is on the phone, be patient.
Again, try not to be overly friendly. Rather go with the conversation. Do not smoke, eat, chew gum or drink refreshments unless these are offered. Even your water bottle, does not belong on the interviewer desk.
Dress appropriately.
Smile.
Stand up when the interviewer approaches.
Give them your full attention and listen actively.
Look them in the eye and thank them for the opportunity.
Be aware of your language and never swear.
Be specific when answering your questions
Add comments and ask questions at the end of the interview.
Be positive.
End with firm handshake, eye contact and big smile.
Tell them that you will follow up with a call.
Walk out confidently!
Always send handwritten thank you note for the interview (or e-mail if appropriate).
Follow up on the call as you said you would.
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