Interviewing Etiquette

Contributing to Student Success!

University Career Center1601 Irving Hill Road • Burge Union, 110

Lawrence, KS 66045 • 785-864-7676KUCareerHawk.com • ucc@ku.edu

When you are invited to an interview…

• Be courteous when you are contacted and invited to an interview whether your communication is via email, phone, or in person

• Politely decline or accept the interview offer• If someone calls and leaves you a message inviting

you to an interview but you are not interested in the opportunity, return their call, thank them, and kindly decline

• Find out the date, time, and duration; the location; and directions

• Plan to prepare

Business Attire

Women:• Conservative suit (dark colored)• Conservative blouse• Skirt (at least knee length) or

pants• Hosiery• Conservative matching shoes• Conservative minimal• jewelry• Light on the make- up• Hair out of face

• Men:• Conservative suit (dark

colored)• Matching conservative

collared shirt• Matching tie (basic)• Dark Shoes• Socks that match your

suit• Jewelry: watch only• Clean cut: hair and face

Prepare Your Professional Look

Prepare for the interview

• Research the company

• Know yourself and experiences

• Practice interviewing beforehand

• Write down stories you can use to practice

• Write down your questions you want to ask the interviewer

• Make sure you take…

What to take with you

• Copies of your resume in a portfolio

• Copies of your reference page

• Tissue in your pocket

• Pen and notepad

• List of questions you want to ask

• Directions

• Phone number of company

At the Interview: Body language

• Exude Confidence (not arrogance)

• Smile• Be energetic and

enthusiastic• Sit comfortably but

confidently• Stand tall• Don’t fidget with your

jewelry, portfolio, hair, etc.• Make eye contact• Use hand gestures naturally• Try to relax and avoid

nervous gestures

At the interview…

• Have a firm handshake• Make eye contact• Be polite and courteous to everyone

you meet! • Arrive 5-10 minutes early• Wait to sit until the interviewer offers

you a seat• Answer questions confidently• Show your enthusiasm for the job• Thank them for their time• Find out the next step in the process

After the interview…

• Relax and reflect on the day• Follow-up within 24 hours with a

personalized thank you letter• Follow-up to check the status of the

process and reiterate your interest if you have not heard from them by the date provided to you

After an offer has been made…

• Continue to be polite and courteous• Thank them for the opportunity, and if you

are interested in the position schedule a meeting to discuss the offer, including salary and benefits

• If you are not interested in the offer kindly decline and write an official rejection letter

• Once you have decided to accept an offer, write an official acceptance letter

• Celebrate your new position!

University Career Center

University Career Center1601 Irving Hill Road • Burge Union, 110

Lawrence, KS 66045 • 785-864-7676KUCareerHawk.com • ucc@ku.edu