Interview protocol is the expected behaviours that both interviewers and candidates should demonstrate during the interview. Employers will be looking at more than just your ability to complete work tasks. They will judge whether you will fit into the team and be a good fit for the work environment. Your conduct will be observed when you begin communicating before the interview.

Protocol in different scenarios has developed over long periods of time and is often embedded in culture. Not adhering to protocol can communicate a lack of respect and professionalism. It is important however that different cultures have different protocols and proper. It is important to research the culture of the firms that you are visiting for interview.

The DOs for Interviewees

Respond to any communication in a professional, friendly and clear manner. You will begin making an impression long before you enter the interview room. You may be contacted prior to the interview by email or by phone. Consider the image you are projecting in these interactions. 

Make a good first impression. Interviewers will make their first impressions within the first 7 seconds of meeting you and these impressions can be lasting. Check the company website or contact the HR manager in advance to check the dress code. If in doubt err on the side of formal. Be punctual. Check routes and timings and plan to get there early in case there are any traffic issues or other hold-ups on the day. 

Introduce yourself to everybody you meet. This includes the receptionist when you arrive. You will be making an impression on how you treat your future potential colleagues as well as the interview panel. When you meet the panel, introduce yourself with confidence and a firm handshake and good eye contact. 

Try and relax. This is easier said than done but the aim of the panel is to get to know you as well as possible in the short time frame of an interview. Nerves can be a barrier to you communicating your strengths and showing them your great personality that fits right in with their team. Research typical interview questions for the role you are applying for and practise with friends and family to improve your confidence. 

Have good knowledge of the company and the industry. Demonstrating good knowledge in the interview shows the panel that you have a genuine interest in the field of work and you are professional in your approach to preparation. Having good background knowledge also allows for a more detailed and in-depth conversation about the role. 

Use open and confident body language. It is thought that up to 90% of what we communicate is non-verbal. Body language is the use of facial expressions and physical actions that we do without thinking. This includes posture, eye contact, hand positions, smiling, fidgeting and eye contact. 

Demonstrate active listening. This means you are not simply hearing the words of the question and providing your response but seeking to fully understand what the speaker is trying to communicate. When the interviewer is speaking to you, give them your undivided attention. This means being patient, nodding to communicate you are listening, maintaining eye contact and asking questions to delve deeper where appropriate. 

Provide more detail than what is asked for. The interviewers have designed a set of questions to establish which candidate is most suitable for the role. However, all they know about you is what you choose to communicate. Consider the scenario where your greatest strength is not covered in the interview questions. You should tell them anyway. For every question, give details and examples of where you have demonstrated those skills or had experience with those situations. Be aware of your greatest strengths, attributes and experience before the interview and don’t leave without telling them. Most interviewers will give you time for this at the end.

Ask questions to seek clarification throughout the interview to ensure that you have fully understood the questions being asked. Ask about the role and the company at the end. Show them you are interested in the details of the job and how you will fit into the role. You also need to know whether you want this job yourself.

Thank the panel for their time and follow up with a thank you email. All members of the panel have taken time out of their schedules to read your application documents, prepare interview materials, meet with you and have follow-up discussions. Show that you respect the time of other people by thanking them. You may be the only candidate that does this and therefore make a better impression. 

The DON’Ts for Interviewees

Avoid making negative comments about your previous employer, colleagues or workplace. All workplaces come with challenges and difficult people. Your interviewers will want to recruit people who can remain positive in difficult situations and handle difficult people. 

Avoid making negative comments about company strategy. Your interviewers will be keen to hear about the contribution you will be making to their firm including changes you may bring about in terms of strategy. However, being critical of strategy may give the impression that you are negative. You could also offend one of your interviewers as they may have been the person who implemented the strategy in the first place. 

Avoid discussing salary and benefits in the interview. You could give the impression that your main interest is the salary you will receive. Use the interview time to communicate your passion and suitability for the role. You can email the HR department to ask about remuneration. 

Avoid making plans directly after the interview. An interview that is going well may take longer than expected or your interviewers may be chatting with you informally. You do not want to be checking your watch or rushing away. Take the time to have these additional conversations, they may be your opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Avoid being dishonest. There is a difference between selling yourself and telling a lie. The HR department will contact your previous employers for references. Any lies may mean you don't get a job and can affect your relationships with your current employer. You may also get a job you are unsuitable for if your application is based on dishonest information. 

Don’t be modest. You need to sell yourself which includes speaking enthusiastically about your strengths. Speak about yourself the way you would speak about your best friend. You must do this without sounding arrogant, however.

Back to unit 8 homepage