Attire, body language and manners count during interviews. After all, interviewers are regular people like the rest of us, easily impressed by good behavior and just as easily offended by inappropriate behavior. Yet, surveys show that job candidates’ interview manners and other professionalisms are on the decline.

On the next pages are tips for acting professionally before, during and after interviews, to avoid offending interviewers and increase your chances of landing a job. (For more interview tips and other job-searching help, click on the links in the sidebar, under Related Resources. ) These interview tips are based on good manners in the United States. Good manners are appreciated everywhere, but what constitutes then, may differ among other countries.

41. Do your homework:

Research the company and study the job description before you interview, as your inter viewer will likely ask what you know about the company and why you want the job. ( )

42. Get your personal papers ready:

Collect and neatly arrange your important papers and work samples in a nice briefcase or portfolio. ( )

Dress appropriately:

Practice good hygiene, comb or brush your hair, and dress appropriately. Even if you know that the company dress is business-casual, dress up anyway. It shows professionalism and respect, and most importantly, that you know how to dress for interviews.

43. Be punctual:

Unless otherwise instructed (e. g. , to fill out a job application), arrive five to ten minutes early for the interview; ( )

Sit with good pasture:

If you don’t know what to do with your hands, keep them folded in your lap. This is another indication of good manners. Avoid crossing your arms over your chesty as it subliminally demonstrates a closed mind to some.

44. Read the mood:

( )

45. Maintain eye contact:

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. ( )

It’s okay to ask questions to better answer the questions the interviewer asks you. But withhold the bulk of your questions until the interviewer asks if you have any, which is typically toward the end of the interview. Avoid asking the frivolous just because interviewers expect you to have questions. Instead, ask about important matters, such as job duties, management style and the financial health of the company. It’s not a good idea to ask questions about vacation, sick days, lunch breaks and so on, right off the bat. Ask about the lesser matters of importance during follow-up interviews.

Typically, you’ll negotiate salary, benefits, perks and such in a follow-up interview. Regardless, don’t bring it up until asked, yet be ready to discuss it at anytime.

A. This makes you look organized and professional. Remember to pack relevant documents such as extra resumes and reference lists, immigrant work-authorization papers, letters of recommendation, and information required on job applications. Bring at least one pen and pencil, and a notepad too.

B. If the interviewer is formal, then you probably should be, too. If the interviewer is casual, then follow along while remaining courteous and professional. In either case, try to appear to be relaxed, but not too relaxed. It’s not a good idea to put your feet up on the interviewer’s desk!

C. Avoid staring or you might make the interviewer uncomfortable, but don’t look away too often either. To some, failure to maintain a comfortable level of eye contact indicates that you are lying, reaching for answers or lacking confidence.

D. It also helps you to formulate questions about the company and job. Interviewers typically expect you to ask such questions.

E. If it’s possible without making a commotion, scoot your chair a little closer to the interviewer’s desk or take the chair closet to the desk, like you’re ready to dive right in. This shows interest and confidence. But don’t invade the interviewer’s personal space, a perimeter of about two feet by U. 8. standards.

F. This shows that you are eager and punctual. If you’re not at least five minutes early for an interview, you’re five minutes late! But don’t arrive more than ten minutes early, aa it might be inconvenient for your interviewers. Definitely don’t be late!

42