Find out the No. 1 way to sabotage a job interview--so you don't do this!
Here is a sampling of the worst job interview behavior, according to hiring managers:
--Wore inappropriate attire: 87 percent
--Used profanity during the interview: 43 percent
--Answered their cell phone in the middle of an interview: 26 percent
--Brought a child to an interview: 19 percent
--Other examples of poor behavior include bringing lunch to the interview and eating it during the conversation, crying, picking one's nose and showing up drunk.
If you think answering your cell phone during the interview isn't all that bad, think again: A whopping 68 percent of hiring managers would instantly disqualify a candidate for doing this, according to the Vault Interview Etiquette Survey of 105 hiring managers and 1,647 employees nationwide.
Half of all job applicants lie about THIS--and employers are catching on.
It's not only the job seekers who are rude. Hiring managers have been pegged for this bad behavior by those they have interviewed:
--Reject a candidate for a job but never inform him or her: 71 percent
--Interrupt the proceedings to take a call: 56 percent
Now that you know what not to do, this is what you should do to set yourself apart from other candidates, according to Vault. Call it Job Interview Etiquette 101:
1. Dress professionally
Leave the low-cut dress and skin-tight jeans at home. While interview attire varies depending on the job for which you're applying, this rule of thumb always applies: It's better to dress up than be too casual. Dressing up not only shows that you respect the employer and the interview process, but also that you have style and polish.
2. Be prompt
Nearly 20 percent of employers say they'd eliminate a candidate who was just 10 minutes late for an interview, so make sure you're on time. Better yet, arrive early--but no more than 10 or 15 minutes. If you're running late, call and apologize.
3. Turn off your cell phone
If your phone is off, you won't be tempted to answer a call or read a text message, both of which could land you out the door faster than you can say, "Hello?"
4. Be curious
Ask questions! Show that you're interested in the job and the company. But whatever you do, don't ask about money in the first interview.
5. Express your gratitude
Write a thank-you note and send it within 24 hours of the interview. Fully 80 percent of employers say this is somewhat or extremely important. Even if you choose to send it via e-mail, make it a formal thank you. Remember, though, a handwritten card sent in an envelope with a stamp will set you apart from other candidates. If you're worried it won't get there fast enough in snail mail, personally drop it off with the receptionist.
