Make A Lasting Impression With Interview Etiquette

(Des Moines, Iowa - February 2, 2005) Behaving appropriately during every course of an interview is just one way to increase your success with finding a job. Here are some tips to consider before you're seated across from your interviewer.

* "Dress for Success." Does this seem like an overused phrase? It might, but only because it's true. An appropriately dressed candidate allows the interviewer to focus more on the character and quality of their interviewee because appearance is not a distraction. "Appropriate" can be interpreted differently depending on the field and position you are interviewing for. Consider the typical dress of an employee in that position and take it up a step or two. Generally in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries typical dress is not a suit and tie. Since dress is generally very casual in these particular industries, consider wearing a nice pair of slacks and a polo or denim shirt.

* Leave early enough for your interview so you allow time for traffic. Make sure you know how to get to the location. It would be a good idea to go to the office building before the day of your interview so you don't get lost and lose your composure or confidence. Aim for your Estimated Time of Arrival to be 10 minutes earlier than the scheduled interview. Don't be late, but don't be too early. You don't want to keep them waiting and you don't want to rush them. It is likely that your interviewer won't be ready for you until the scheduled time anyway.

* Introduce yourself properly and refer to your interviewer by name. Offer a smile and a firm, confident handshake. Do not forget to maintain eye contact. This helps to communicate an energetic and honest image.

* Assess the personality of your interviewer and respond accordingly. Use positive, open body language. Avoid sitting down and crossing your arms or yawning.

* Be prepared for all types of interview questions, but before answering allow yourself time to gather your thoughts. Be comfortable with a momentary silence during the thinking process and try to refrain from using "fillers" such as "um" or "uh."

* At the end of the interview be sure to say "thank-you" and show true appreciation. Follow interview etiquette by sending your interviewer a thank-you letter no more than 24 hours after the interview.

Established in 1996, MEPatWORK is the leading full-service recruitment solutions provider in the HVAC, sheet metal, refrigeration, control, electrical, plumbing and piping industries. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, this privately held company also has offices in in Chicago and Pittsburgh and specializes in finding top talent for all levels of contracting, wholesale, and manufacturing.

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