More Business Etiquette-The Job Interview

I've received several e-mails and phone calls regarding the topic of my last blog. It seems everyone has a story to tell about rude cell phone behavior - though thankfully most of them occur in grocery stores and airports. I have not yet heard a story about cell phone abuse in an automotive situation.

As the school year draws to a close, I presume many of T2's readers will be in the process of looking for employment, if they are not already working. Here are just a few tips to remember as they go on that first or second, or last interview.

1 - Shake the hand of your interviewer with a firm, but not overly tight grip. Look him or her in the eye when you say hello, nice to meet you. Be sure to smile.

2 - Do not sit down until you are asked to have a seat.

3 - Do not arrive with gum, a cigarette, or chewing tobacco in your mouth. If you smoke, make sure you don't arrive smelling like burning ash.

4 - If you are interviewing for a technician position, you should wear dress slacks and a nice shirt (either a polo shirt or button down for men, or a nice blouse for women). If you are applying for a service, office, or counter position, you should dress a little nicer. Under no circumstances should you apply for a job wearing jeans. Regardless of how informal the position may look, please, don't wear jeans.

5 - Bring a resume and references. They may not ask for either, but it is always good to be prepared.

6 - If you have a cell phone - TURN IT OFF or LEAVE IT IN THE CAR. Trust me on this one. Same for a pager (if anyone still has one of those).

7 - Be sure to bring something to write with.

8 - Speak in complete sentences. Try to refrain from using words like um and like. Also, keep slang out of the conversation.

9 - Be prepared to talk about yourself: your interviewer will want to know a little personal information, a little bit about your education, and a little bit about your goals and aspirations.

10 - Try to be relaxed and open. Be yourself.