Job search etiquette – 4 things to keep in mind
Whether you are dealing with a recruiter, a potential employer, or building your network, good etiquette is a must. Etiquette is a fancy word for manners and good manners matter, especially during your job search. It can be a distinguishing factor, for better or worse. Good manners can demonstrate some of the valuable soft skills that employers are looking for, like showing respect for others, understanding how to cooperate, and communicating effectively and respectfully. Etiquette can open and close doors.
There are many ways to demonstrate good etiquette. Here are a few of the key ones that you should keep in mind and practice at all stages of your job search.
1. Ask people what their preferred method of communication is and what the best way to follow up or contact them is. Some may prefer email or phone, some text; or if you initially connected through LinkedIn or another similar site, they may want to continue using it. The point is, ask, and respect their choice. It makes a good impression.
2. Send thank you. These seemingly little things are grand. When someone helps you out during your job search in any way, it’s important to recognize it appropriately. A thank you note acknowledges the personal time someone chose to share with you, whether it is a formal interview or a networking coffee. If you're working with a recruiter, thank them for their efforts. If a former colleague agrees to be a reference, thank them for their support. To make it more impactful, be sure to use their preferred communication method.
3. Respect people’s time. Whether it’s a video or in person interview, being on time is not only a polite gesture, but also vital to your overall career success. Recognize that besides making it to your interview as scheduled, there are other ways you can respect people’s time. Be sure to show up organized so you can get recruiters the information they need quickly and efficiently. Be thoughtful about follow up. Thinking of sending complex or needlessly long emails, how about opting to first flush your ideas out instead?
4. Listen with the intent to understand. Listening first before jumping in on a conversation is respectful and important. Be mindful to not cut people off when they are talking, you might miss key information when interrupting. Sharpening this important communication skill during your job search will help you land that dream position, and it’s also a valuable skill to have in general.
These are what I consider pillars to the job search etiquette. There are numerous ways to include good etiquette into your daily routine. It’s in the real moments’ individuals interact with one another, respectful of each other’s roles and expectations, where true cooperation can be found. You already possess the skills you need to succeed; these pillars of etiquette simply facilitate you to highlight your best qualities.
Go on now – present your brilliance to the world.
Whether you are dealing with a recruiter, a potential employer, or building your network, good etiquette is a must. Etiquette is a fancy word for manners and good manners matter, especially during your job search. It can be a distinguishing factor, for better or worse. Good manners can demonstrate some of the valuable soft skills that employers are looking for, like showing respect for others, understanding how to cooperate, and communicating effectively and respectfully. Etiquette can open and close doors.
There are many ways to demonstrate good etiquette. Here are a few of the key ones that you should keep in mind and practice at all stages of your job search.
1. Ask people what their preferred method of communication is and what the best way to follow up or contact them is. Some may prefer email or phone, some text; or if you initially connected through LinkedIn or another similar site, they may want to continue using it. The point is, ask, and respect their choice. It makes a good impression.
2. Send thank you. These seemingly little things are grand. When someone helps you out during your job search in any way, it’s important to recognize it appropriately. A thank you note acknowledges the personal time someone chose to share with you, whether it is a formal interview or a networking coffee. If you're working with a recruiter, thank them for their efforts. If a former colleague agrees to be a reference, thank them for their support. To make it more impactful, be sure to use their preferred communication method.
3. Respect people’s time. Whether it’s a video or in person interview, being on time is not only a polite gesture, but also vital to your overall career success. Recognize that besides making it to your interview as scheduled, there are other ways you can respect people’s time. Be sure to show up organized so you can get recruiters the information they need quickly and efficiently. Be thoughtful about follow up. Thinking of sending complex or needlessly long emails, how about opting to first flush your ideas out instead?
4. Listen with the intent to understand. Listening first before jumping in on a conversation is respectful and important. Be mindful to not cut people off when they are talking, you might miss key information when interrupting. Sharpening this important communication skill during your job search will help you land that dream position, and it’s also a valuable skill to have in general.
These are what I consider pillars to the job search etiquette. There are numerous ways to include good etiquette into your daily routine. It’s in the real moments’ individuals interact with one another, respectful of each other’s roles and expectations, where true cooperation can be found. You already possess the skills you need to succeed; these pillars of etiquette simply facilitate you to highlight your best qualities.
Go on now – present your brilliance to the world.