The document discusses the importance of etiquette during job interviews. It emphasizes that etiquette can differentiate a candidate from others, build confidence, and honor excellence. Proper etiquette includes greetings, handshakes, eye contact, introductions using titles and surnames, dressing professionally, and having good grooming and hygiene. Specific guidelines are provided for meeting people, shaking hands, taking leave, and dressing professionally for both men and women.

1. Interview Etiquette
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2. Importance of Etiquette?
• Differentiates you from others in a competitive job
market
• Enables you to be confident in a variety of settings with a
variety of people
• Honors commitment to excellence and quality
• Modifies distracting behaviors and develops admired
conduct
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3. Professional Etiquette
• Who you are speaks so
loudly I do not hear what
you say—Emerson
• People begin to evaluate
us before any words are
ever spoken – by
appearance, gestures, de
meanour, mannerisms
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4. ETIQUETTE
• Behavior
• Exchange of pleasantries and greetings
• Meeting People
• Shaking Hands
• Introducing People
• Taking leave
• Professional Appearance
• Grooming
• Dress
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5. Creating a positive image
• Behaviour:
• Exhibit a positive attitude and pleasant demeanor
• Use a firm handshake
• Maintain good eye contact
• Make appropriate introductions – introduce someone by their title and
last name (Ms. Mrs. Mr. Dr. Smith), unless otherwise specified
• Rise when you are introducing someone or you are being introduced
• Show common respect and consideration for others eg. Opening
doors, don’t laugh or talk loudly
• Nonverbal communication is important
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6. Meeting People
• Make your first words count
• Greet politely
• Good morning, good evening, hello
• Use appropriate language – no slang
• Pleased to meet you, how are you
• Don’t make personal remarks
• you have put on weight!
• Smile and maintain eye contact
• Don’t ask personal questions especially if you are meeting someone for the
first time
• Talk on general subjects
• Avoid subjects that could spark a debate or a controversy eg. Politics, religion
• In a group setting, network around the room
• Try and say hello to every person
• Don’t confine yourself to any one group
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7. Shaking Hands
 The Vise Grip - This style of handshaking is the most common
and most widely accepted way to shake hands.
 Water Pump – More than the required shakes
 Cold Fish - This is a cold, sometimes wet, unemotional
shaking of hands. It is the definition of apathy.
 Bone Crusher – Crushes the hand to show domination
 Two handed – Usually used by those who are trying to sell you
something
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8. Introductions
Introducing yourself ….
 Hi, I’m Srinivas (vs. Mr, Ms, or Dr)
Introducing yourself to a Receptionist…
 Hello. My name is Srinivas. I am here for a 1 o’clock
interview.
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9. Taking Leave
• Acknowledge each person before taking leave
• Shaking hands is optional
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10. Professional Appearance
―The way you dress affects the way you are perceived, and the way you are
perceived, is the way you are treated.‖
- Buck Rodgers
Former VP of Marketing, IBM
Author of The IBM Way
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11. Grooming
Grooming is fundamental
 Neatly trimmed hair. If long hair, neatly tied back
 Light perfume or cologne
 Clean and trimmed fingernails
 Limited jewelry
 Concealed tattoos; no visible body jewelry
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12. Professional Appearance
• Wardrobe
Professional Business Wardrobe
• For women: Indian or western wear
• Salwar Kurta
• Simple and smart in any fabric – cotton, silk, synthetic
• No heavy embroidery or gold borders
• No low cut styles
• skirt/pant suit, blouse or dress shirt
• clean well maintained sandals or shoes
• For men: In most corporates especially MNCs, western wear is the
norm
• Business trousers, shirt, tie
• Well maintained and polished shoes
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13. Professional Appearance
Wardrobe..
• Clothes should be neatly pressed
• Torn, dirty or frayed clothes are unacceptable
• Clothes with words or pictures are unacceptable
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