Interview Process Etiquette - It's Not Just for Candidates

Though the unemployment rate 'improved' to 6.1 percent last month, more than 9.5 million Americans are still without work. While some may view this as a victory because there are 325,000 less people without work, the number still seeking a job is staggering. This means that employers are at an advantage. They have their pick of the litter.

More often than not, for every job posted, employers will see more than 100 applications come through. A candidate's job is to set themselves apart from the crowd. Highlight their strengths, customize their skill set and promote what they can bring to the job/business they are applying to. The employer's job is to weed out the ones who would not be a good fit and narrow the pool to qualified candidates.

Once a candidate has reached the interview stage - both candidate AND employer must and should engage in a game of professional etiquette. Unfortunately, many employers forget Manners 101 and treat their candidates like second class citizens. These employers should note that the majority of the candidates applying for a position within your organization are serious - they are treating finding a job as a full-time job and you should treat them with respect.

Rules for Candidates seeking a job:
1. Update your resume - customize it for the position and company
2. Provide examples of successes in your resume and cover letter
3. Be prepared for the interview - anticipate employer questions and prepare a list of questions
4. Make eye contact, be courteous, give a firm handshake at the end of the meeting
5. Ask when they expect to follow up or fill the position
6. Follow up with a thank you email and card to person you interviewed with (wait a day or two)
7. If you have not received a follow up from the employer within 10 days, follow up with a positive note
8. Continue applying for other jobs

Rules for Employers seeking a qualified candidate:
1. Be honest in your job posting - Title, Responsibilities, Pay
2. Be timely in your response to an applicant - even an automated email stating the application was received is better than nothing
3. Review all applications - do not just look at applications sent by contacts, family members, friends, referrals
4. Narrow your second interview to those who really stand a chance (they should have been thoroughly vetted in the first interview)
5. Be prepared for the interview - you are the boss - know what you want to ask the candidate and be prepared for questions the candidates may ask of you. Know the candidate's resume and qualifications. It is unprofessional to read the resume at the start of the interview.
6. Make eye contact, be courteous, give a firm handshake at the end of the meeting
7. Know when you will follow up and expect to fill the position
8. FOLLOW UP with the candidates you have interviewed

Number eight is crucially important. A candidate MUST not give up and should keep applying to jobs that fit their skill sets. An employer MUST follow up with candidates in which they felt were good enough to warrant an interview.

However, when a hiring manager or HR specialist DOES follow up, they need to understand that they are dealing with individuals who are anxious for work and will be disappointed and hard enough on themselves for not getting the job. You do NOT need to pour salt in the wound. My husband and I call these rejection letters FOAD letters and everyone has received one at some point in their lives. (FOAD stands for "F" Off And Die)

Real (positive)example of a FOAD letter: "Dear Ms. Stoneking, Thank you for your interest in X company. While your talents and skills are impressive, we have decided to go in another direction. Best of luck to you in your job search. Sincerely, HR Director"

Real (negative and unnecessary) example of a FOAD letter: "Dear Ms. Stoneking, Thank you for your interest in X Company. does not feel that you are a good fit for this company. You will not be moving to the next step in our interview process. Please visit our website for other opportunities."

First of all, I did not name the company in the second example because I exhibit professional courtesy. But, I believe if the hiring manager would have looked at my resume, he would have seen that I was overqualified which is why I was there as a consultant, not as an applicant. Second, if I wasn't a good fit for the company after speaking with them twice (as a consultant, remember) WHY would I want to (or would they want me to) look on their website for other opportunities?

Employers, you have an obligation to know the interview and hiring process. You have an obligation to employ interview process etiquette. If you are unsure of what that statement means, then I am unsure of how you got into the position you are in. One thing I am sure of is this: Candidates, if you do all of the things expected of you in the application and interview process, you WILL get the job you are meant to get eventually. If you are unemployed, keep at it. Looking for a job is a full-time job. And if you continue to exude professional courtesy, you will no longer be one of 9.5 million unemployed in America. You will just be one in a million!