The rules of etiquette should be observed everywhere, whether it is going to the theater, café, restaurant, cinema, a trip on public transport, at a job interview or even just a walk in the park. They are needed to ensure comfortable coexistence and interaction of people in society.
It is believed that today the rules of etiquette have been simplified, but this is not entirely true. Of course, at a family dinner you can do without cards for seating guests, but business etiquette remains necessary. It is necessary to follow its rules when you are looking for a job. Do not doubt – good manners will not only benefit your career, but also a good impression at the interview.
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What rules of etiquette are especially relevant when dealing with recruiters?
1. Etiquette in writing
Looking for a job is a special stage in life that requires a job seeker to be as collected as possible and to show off his or her best side. Therefore, even if in everyday life you do not consider it shameful to answer the phone during a meeting, it is still better to adhere to the norms of business etiquette during the period of job search.
Let’s start with business correspondence.
When composing a cover letter to your resume (a properly composed cover letter will increase your chances of success), do not forget about the formulas of politeness: “Good afternoon, (address to the recruiter) “, “Dear ( name of the recruiter) !”, “All the best”, “Regards”, etc. It is not necessary to invent too complicated and cool greetings and wishes, it is better to limit ourselves to the traditional options that everyone is used to seeing and hearing.
Address the representative of the company as he indicated in the job ad: by name and patronymic or by name only (full name, of course).
The latter option is increasingly common in business circles, but be careful: it is still better to address the head of the company or a person known to be older than you by your first and patronymic name.
Don’t forget that emails should be answered within one (maximum two) business days. If you somehow see the letter after two days, you should apologize in your reply letter for taking so long to answer.
Etiquette implies a certain concern for the comfort of the person you are talking to, in this case the recruiter. When sending your resume to e-mail, be sure to include the job title in the subject line – both the hiring manager is comfortable to read, and you will look like a polite person who has an idea of office life. The title of your email could look like this, for example:
“Resume (occupation, for example) call center telephonist Stephanie I.I.”
2. Etiquette when meeting in person
But now your resume has been reviewed and you have been invited for an interview. Remember that the job search is a period when it is especially important to keep all the arrangements. Such a breach of etiquette as being late for an interview can have a significant impact on your business reputation. It is worth preparing in advance and calculating your time so that you will not be late for the meeting.
The office dress code is an integral part of business etiquette. To come to the interview in inappropriate clothing means to show yourself as an impolite person who neglects the basic rules of conduct. So iron your business suit, choose suitable shoes, tidy your hands and go to the meeting with the recruiter.
Although you already know the hiring manager or potential supervisor in absentia (by phone or email), you should introduce yourself at the first meeting. Strictly speaking, the first to do this should be a man to a woman, junior to senior, inferior to superior, etc. However, in the “applicant-recruiter” situation, it is better to proceed from the circumstances. The candidate comes to a meeting in an unfamiliar office, with unfamiliar people – introducing yourself first is necessary in most cases.
When it comes to shaking hands, the first to shake hands is the one who is older or more senior. Shaking hands with a lady is a less common tradition, and it is customary to do it only when a woman extends her hand first. Nowadays such a greeting has become less relevant, but for general development and understanding you should not forget that a girl can extend her hand to you, and you should kiss her.
If you are offered tea or coffee, you do not have to refuse, especially if coffee etiquette is not a secret for you. Lump sugar should be taken with tongs, and if they are not available, then with your hand (not a spoon). You should stir your drink noiselessly and when you finish you should not leave the spoon in the cup but put it on a saucer. Drink hot drinks in small sips, without making loud noises. And, of course, do not put the cup on the paper.
Recruiters have a lot of complaints about the fact that candidates do not turn off their cell phones during interviews. How many careers have been ruined by inappropriately loud or humorous ringtones coming out of candidates’ pockets. In the case of a call, job seekers behave differently: some apologize and mute the phone, some quickly say something like “I’ll call you back,” and others have long conversations with acquaintances in the presence of the recruiter. The only correct course of action in this case is to mute the phone or its sound for the duration of the interview. Interrupting an interview (as well as any other business meeting because of a personal call is a prime example of non-compliance with business etiquette.
In exceptional circumstances, if you need to take a call for some reason, apologize, explain that it is extremely important, and go out the door for a short conversation. When you return, apologize again and explain the situation as briefly as possible.
In the course of the conversation, be as polite as possible, familiarity is completely unacceptable. However, it will be quite appropriate to demonstrate a good sense of humor. As you say goodbye to the interlocutor, repeat once again that you are very pleased to meet him. Ask if you can call in a while and ask about the situation, unless, of course, the recruiter suggests a different plan of action.
Should you let the recruiter (most often a woman) go first when he leaves?
The usual rule of etiquette of everyday life – to let the lady go ahead – in the business world is not considered strict, the first to the door can pass the one who is closer to her. And yet, if you are a representative of the stronger sex, such courtesy will not be superfluous.
3. After the interview
In many countries, it is customary to write a short thank you letter to your interlocutor after the interview. But why not show that you are someone who is familiar with the nuances of business etiquette?
The text of the letter could be something like this:
“Good afternoon, ( name of the recruiter or employer who interviewed you) ! I would like to thank you for your time in interviewing me for the position of secretary. I hope you were satisfied with the information I provided regarding my work experience, education, and professional accomplishments. If you or any of your colleagues have any additional questions, I will be happy to answer them over the phone or in person. Respectfully, ( your name, surname) , candidate for the position of Secretary.”
Such a gesture of politeness will be a small, but still a plus for your candidacy in the eyes of the recruiter and the potential manager.
Also read this What You Need to Know About Starting a Small Business
Layboard.in ensures that if you comply with the above tips about etiquette, talk about yourself, your knowledge and skills, thereby proving that you are the right person for this company and they just can not lose such a good employee like you, then 95% of the time you will be hired for the job.
