Interview Etiquette

Video Transcript

(The host, a young man in his twenties, appears on screen in front of an all-white backdrop and begins to speak.)

So, you’ve landed a job interview. Congratulations. You’ve got your foot in the door.
Now you need to demonstrate that you’re the right fit. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way:

(The words “tip 1” appears on screen, followed by the words “DRESS FOR THE PART: Consider the work environment.”)

Tip 1: Dress for the part

(Drawn images of a professionally dressed man and woman appear on screen.)

Consider the work environment and dress a step above. Your clothes should be pressed, your grooming impeccable.

(The words “tip 2” appears on screen, followed by the words “BE ON TIME: Show you’re reliable.”)

Tip 2: Be on time.

In fact, be five or ten minutes early. It will show you’re reliable and it will allow you to collect yourself before the interview begins.

(The words “tip 3” appears on screen, followed by the words “A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION: Begins with a smile.”)

Tip 3: Make a good first impression.

(The words “eye contact”, “enthusiasm”, “good posture, no gum”, “cell phone, off!” appear s on screen.)

This begins with a smile, a firm handshake, look the interviewer in the eye, show enthusiasm, don’t slouch, don’t chew gum and turn off your cell phone.

(The words “tip 4” appears on screen, followed by the words “BE PREPARED: Anticipate questions.”)

Tip 4: Be prepared.

(The words “Learn about the company”, “Questions – Be prepared!”, “Bring resume with references” appears on screen.)

Confidence comes with preparation. Learn about the company in advance. Anticipate questions and how you’ll answer. Prepare your own questions to ask and bring a copy of your resume and references, if you have them.

(The words “tip 5” appears on screen, followed by the words “LISTEN UP: Make sure you understand the questions.”)

Tip 5: Listen up!

Make sure you understand the questions so you can answer accurately. Ask for clarification if you need it.

(The words “tip 6” appears on screen, followed by the words “SAY THANKS: Thank the interviewer for the opportunity.”)

Tip 6. Say thanks.

(The words “shake hands” appears on screen along with a drawn image of two hands shaking. The words “thank you” then appear on screen.)

Thank the interviewer for the opportunity. Re-express your interest in the job and the organization. But don’t linger. When it’s clearly a wrap, shake hands, smile and leave. That same day, send along a thank you note.

Now you might be thinking “this is all just common sense”. And you’re right, but you’d be surprised at some of the fundamental mistakes people make during the job interview.

(The URL youth.gc.ca/jobhunt appears on screen.)

For examples and more tips on how to nail your interview, go to youth.gc.ca/jobhunt.