Somewhere in the back of your mind are the good manners your mother tried to instill in you during your youth, but for some reason, as you prepare to interview for the job of your dreams, they allude to you. Good manners and common courtesy go a long way in today’s informal environment. Use these tips to succeed during your interview.

Turn off your cell phone – No matter how many times you’ve heard this advice, you’d be surprised how many people still have their cell phone on during the interview! Unless you’re a doctor on an emergency pager, I don’t see any reason you’d need your phone for a few hours. Leave it in the car. There is nothing more disruptive than a vibrating briefcase or a squeaky ring during an interview. It’s just not polite.

Stand up when the interviewer enters the room and offer your hand to shake. – Many interviewers simply sit in the seat they were directed to without getting up when the next interviewer enters the room. The most respectful thing to do is to stand up and offer your hand to shake. It is also good manners to stand up and shake the person’s hand when the interview is over if you are staying in the same room for the next person. Don’t be lazy, stand up and show respect!

Don’t interrupt your interviewer – sometimes you have a talkative interviewer who likes to talk more than ask interview questions. Let them talk. Look them in the eye, smile, and nod your head in acknowledgment. If the opportunity presents itself, engage with what you’re being told and gently bring the conversation back to its heart. You can say something like “Wow, that sounds very challenging! Reminds me of when I had a similar challenge at XYZ Company…” Whatever you do, don’t interrupt them to make your point.

Use the person’s name – If you didn’t get an interview list or didn’t catch the person’s name during the introduction, it’s perfectly fine to say “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name…” and be ready to write it down. Not remembering the name and asking once is fine, but more than that it’s a faux paux. Write down the name and then refer to it from time to time during the interview. Say her name as often as you can without sounding corny. And at the end of the interview, be sure to thank them by name. “Thank you, Bob, for your time and insight today. Enjoyed meeting you” will suffice. Remembering and using the person’s name is both flattering and polite.

Also, these common manners always apply, but are especially important during the interview:

  • If you cough or sneeze, say “excuse me”
  • Use “please” and “thank you” appropriately
  • It’s okay for either gender to open the door for the other, but don’t make it a competition. If they hold the door for you, say “thank you,” and if you hold the door for them and they thank you, say “you’re welcome.”
  • Don’t pass gas, pick your nose, pick your teeth, or pick your ears, or tap your pen or foot incessantly.
  • Look at your interviewer, but don’t glance at him. Keep your face pleasant but neutral; in other words, without looking at each other with the eyes
  • Sit up straight and up in your seat and show interest in the other party. Show them that you are happy to be there!

By using basic good manners, you will give the interviewer the impression that you are considerate, courteous, and easy to work with. It is an important aspect of conducting a successful interview.