Your resume tells people who you are, but your manners — good or bad — show them. Nowadays, for a huge percentage of companies are much more valuable to have ambitious, hard-working, devoted, intelligent man with high overall culture, than waster with perfect CV. The information in CVs is often exaggerated, embellished or incomplete regarding to specific properties required for the position you applied for.

So back to the etiquette. Etiquette is nothing more than the grand set of all good manners, and although people may have told you that good manners take a lifetime to learn, we can prove to you that’s simply not true. Put simply, etiquette is a language used to relate your respect and consideration to others. Therefore, the day of your interview is not the time to appear uncouth, disrespectful or inconsiderate by violating any of the following etiquette tips.

1. Be punctual

Like anyone at work, your interviewer is in the midst of a busy workday. Show them that their time is valuable to you — after all, aren’t they showing you that same respect with this chance to come in and present yourself off of the printed resume page?

Being late tells others that you’re self-centered, disorganized, rude, or all three (qualities only sought after by the recruiters of reality television. So, unless you’re seeking a spot on the next reality show, leave home so you can avoid delay, which does not depend on you (traffic, broken heel, clothes flooded with coffee).

2. Dress accordingly

At an interview, proper etiquette dictates that your manner of dress should by and large fit in with the scene around you, but in a show of respect for the occasion, you should dress just a step above the norm of that environment. The reason is because inappropriate business attire creates an unacceptable distraction. When the focus should be on you and all your skills, your clothes shouldn’t be stealing the show.

Men:

• Ideally, men should wear a shirt and trousers. Make sure that the colors are well combined. Choose brightly colored shirts and dark pants. Do not wear designer t-shirts. Bet on cotton and linen. Free shirts and neutral colors are the key to success.
• The shirt should be well stock in the pants for a professional look. Choose shirts with long sleeves and do not wrap it in any case.
• Silk ties are the best choice. Tie should not be neither too short nor too long. Ideally, the tip of the tie should touch the bottom of the belt buckle. Thin ties are not intended for offices.
• Wear leather belt, preferably in black or brown shades. Do not wear belt with shiny or wide buckles
• Socks must be properly combined with the overall clothing
• Do not wear shoes that make noise while walking. Choose soft leather shoes in black or brown. Make sure shoes are polished and properly tied. Never wear sports shoes or sneakers on interview.
• You must be shaved. Use good aftershave lotion and make sure your skin does not look dry and scaly.
• Body odor matters. One should always smells good in society. Use a soft perfume or deodorant.

Women:

• Women should not wear clothes too open. Wear clothes that fit your best. Do not wear too tight or free clothes.
• Understand the main difference between party wear and elegant clothing. Never dress shirts with large necks, and those with bare back or straps are strictly prohibited. Avoid transparent materials.
• Women who like Western ‘fashion can choose colored shirts and dark pants. Well-chosen scarf will definitely help you look more elegant.
• Never wear heavy jewelery for an interview. Avoid heavy makeup. Nails should be clean and preferably with lacquer in natural shades.
• Avoid very high shoes.
• The color of the bag must be combined with the overall clothing.
• Piercings on the face during the interview are completely forbidden

3. Take note of that handshake

Having a strong handshake is absolutely crucial to a good first impression, but you don’t want to take it too far. At an interview, it’s a physical interaction between strangers, making it a prime moment for etiquette. The handshake must be with a stable grip – inspires kindness, openness and can create a sense of comfort between two people. Do not squeeze too hard and do not hold the hand of man against you more than 3 seconds.

On the other hand, a meek, milky handshake or a flesh-grinding cinch can make a person uncomfortable. Before they have the chance to get to know you, you’ve already given them an unpleasant feeling. Making people comfortable around you is an essential aim of all etiquette.

Hands must be in “equivalent” position – by submitting hand it must be perpendicular to the floor, do not accelerate with palm facing up or down, because it states obedience or desire for power over others.

Speak clearly and distinctly, not too high, do not forget eye contact, stay upright and thank them properly.

4. Present a positive personal image

During the job interview, countless moments will come up when etiquette is required. Getting them right gives you a confidence visible to your interviewer.

Look the interviewer in the eye. It’s a trusting gesture to which people always respond positively. Anything else is simply rude.

Enunciate, as well as animate, your language. An interviewer shouldn’t have to ask you to repeat yourself, or wonder if they heard you right.

Use engaging, non-threatening body language. Good posture alone can convey your interest in being there, while slouching conveys disrespect and indifference.

Be careful how you hold your hands – they should be open and stowed close to your body. Do not lock them crossed in front of you. If you need to gesticulate, do it with open palms towards the ceiling, showing openness and pure intentions.

Use your interviewer’s name (preferably the family name), but in moderation. It proves you’re involved and listening.

5. Give examples

A truly adequate representation is one you can intrigue the interviewer with new or interesting information from your practice, not repetition of your CV. To invite you to an interview, apparently they’ve already read it and it is appropriately. Remember – interviewers do not have to remember the biography of each candidate; you need to tell again where, to whom and at what position you’ve worked. More valuable is to give examples of your achievements, campaigns and successful projects. If you worked on those that are public or media known – even better – the chance to make a positive impression is even greater. Don’t push yourself forward and don’t take credit for other people’s accomplishments.

6. Listen first, and then ask

It is very important, in the beginning of the conversation to find out whether the interviewer wants him to lead the interview or you. Whether he wants to tell you more about the company (If he expressly provided at all), or he wants first to learn everything necessary about you. Wait to feel it, and if you aren’t sure – ask directly something like “Let me tell you about my experience or would you like to answer to your specific questions?”. Do not talk too much and do not treat in excessive detail. The option to monosyllabic replies is also not suitable, because it will make the person in front of you to think that you have nothing to say, or you feel uncomfortable, even that you are “curmudgeonly”.

7. Be specific without being demanding

It is very important in case you have any specific requirements for wages, benefits, working hours, special treatment or anything like that, to give a clear sign of this in the most soft and unobtrusive way.

Do not require too much, especially, if you are not approved for work yet. It will be very uncomfortable for both sites if the two of you come across a situation that clarity about what is required and expected bilateral is not complete.

Do a research about the conditions of the company in advance. If it’s possible – what other positions have in the company, tentative wages, bonus packages, working time and if there is something that bothers you – make sure you comment it out during the interview.

8. Thank them “twice”

At the end of the interview, when you will invariably thank your interviewer, make sure to thank them both for their time as well as for your own opportunity. Much like arriving on time, thanking them in this way sends a message that you understand and appreciate the value of one’s time.

What not to do?

1.    Don’t get caught unprepared

Learning as much as you can about the company and about the position for which you’re applying is a sign of respect. As simple as it sounds, don’t forget that your interviewer works for this company; it’s a big part of this person’s life. Therefore, a modest but competent display of your commitment to this interview through prior research makes you look good while flattering them at the same time. Explore the history, previous legal projects, the greatest achievements of the company and customers to be adequate in the conversation.

2.    Don’t disparage past employers

If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything. It’s disrespectful to take shots at former employers and companies (in part because they’re not around to defend themselves), and doing so can seem cheap and offensive to others.

Furthermore, the interview is about you and about this company, and how you fit together; don’t leave your interviewer with descriptions of former bosses and coworkers who have nothing to do with it. If you opine – let it be short, neutral and precise matching the question asked.

3.    Don’t lie — about anything

For all the many reasons not to lie or to wildly embellish anything, remember that a gentleman or a lady never lies. Furthermore, a large percentage of the truth sooner or later will appear to light, and this can only be in your detriment.