59 / 68
clemson.edu/career
CENTER FOR CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
/ClemsonCCPD
59
THE INTERVIEWER: ANOTHER DIFFERENCE
At your on-campus interview, you probably met with one
representative from the company. The primary goal of this
person was to evaluate your basic communication skills and
make sure your qualifications coincided with the company’s
expectations. This information was then passed along, which
led you to the on-site visit where it is very possible you will go
through a series of much longer interviews and meetings.
Human resources will more than likely be your first contact
and from there you will meet with professionals that represent
different aspects of the company. One of the people you meet
with during this process could quite possibly be your boss.
Your day will probably again conclude with a human resources
representative.
Interviewers want to know a lot of the same information about
you, so expect to be asked the same question numerous times.
Keep your enthusiasm and attempt to answer each question as
if it is the first time you have been asked.
ETIQUETTE
While on site, you get to see how the company interacts and
in turn, they are seeing how you interact outside of your
comfortable campus surroundings. Keep this in mind and
stay professional at all times — from interviews to dinner
engagements. These are not social events. Your manners and
etiquette are under constant watch. You may want to stay away
from finger foods, other messy foods and especially alcoholic
beverages. It is likely that you will talk more than you eat so
keep this in mind when ordering. It is also advised that you
order neither the most expensive item on the menu nor the least
expensive, be considerate yet professional.
TABLE TIPS
•
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early and wait in the lobby for
your host
•
Turn cell phones and pagers off during the meal
•
Pass the salt and pepper together
•
Don’t push food onto your fork with your fingers, instead
use the knife to push food onto your fork
•
Never move your plate away to signal you have finished
•
Engage in conversation but never do all of the talking
•
Never ask for seconds unless offered first
•
Don’t smack or slurp your lips
•
Always place your napkin in your lap when eating
•
Never talk with your mouth full
•
Never reach across others for any item at the table
INVITATION
•
Respond to invitations ASAP. If by chance you are unable to
keep the reservation notify the host immediately
•
Let the host/interviewer know in advance about any special
eating requirements
DINNER CONVERSATION
•
Follow the lead of the host/interviewer
•
Do not bring up business until the host /interviewer does
•
At the end of the meal, express your interest in the job and
thank the host for the meal.
•
Do not discuss money matters, health, politics, religion,
death, off-color or discriminatory jokes, diets or ask for free
professional advice
•
Listen intently and this will make it easy to converse with
your host
•
If business is not being discussed, what should I talk about?
A. Sports, travel, a compliment or something nice you have
noticed about that individual
B. Change your subject if your host seems bored