Paulette
remembers her mother often reviewing the importance of good manners at the
dinner table. "'Use your napkin, chew quietly, listen when another is
speaking and say thank you to the cook (Mom or my older sister Beth) before
leaving the table.'" Paulette smiled as she recalled the 'rules.' "I
didn't appreciate it much till I lived on my own and took my first job.
"Manners
are not only important at the dinner table," she added, "but also
during a job interview. I've been on both sides of the desk and I know how
annoying it is when a job candidate jingles pocket change, chews gum - even
quietly, and stares over the employer's shoulder."
This experience
made Paulette more aware of her own manners when she was being interviewed for
a position as Head Nurse at a local hospital. "Sweaty palms, a racing
heart, and a dry mouth can distract you, but none are reasons to forget your
manners," said Paulette.
Here is the etiquette she practiced before, during, and after her interview at the hospital.
Here is the etiquette she practiced before, during, and after her interview at the hospital.
Arrived ahead
of time. It may be
fashionable to come late to a dinner party but it's poor form to walk into an
interview after the established time. Plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes
early so you can find parking, visit the rest room if necessary, and sit quietly
before being called.
Maintained
good eye contact.
Paulette knew how important it was to make eye contact with the interviewer - to
show her ability to do the same with the nurses she'd be supervising if she won
the job.
Listened well. "As a nurse, it's vital that I
listen - to patients, to doctors, to other nurses and attendants," said
Paulette. What better place to practice that skill than during an interview. It
may help to have a small notepad and pen in your hand. You might even tell the
interviewer ahead of time that you'll be taking notes because you don’t want to
miss anything. That too, is a sign of good manners.
Expressed
appreciation. At the
close of the interview, Paulette shook hands, and shared her gratitude for the
time and information she received. "Everyone likes to be acknowledged and
thanked," said Paulette. And finally show your manners by sending a
personal thank you card or note in your own handwriting.
Practice
old-fashioned manners and you'll be among the first job hunters who demonstrate
what really matters—being polite, kind, interested, and equipped to do the job
in question.
This worked for Paulette. It can work for you
too.---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Jimmy Sweeney
Job Interview Secret Gets You Hired Fast