Interview Deportment

So we’ve been talking about matters of safety during the job search, especially for non-traditional employers. Areas that still need some discussion are attire, demeanor, speech.
Actually, I talk about these areas of interviewing style in a recent post, “Interviewing Form – Some Candidate Examples.” The prime factor that should be taken from that post, the video, and the ensuing discussion is that you need to be as professional as possible in your entire presentation. This is the person who will be representing the business if hired. And, of course, you’ve already researched whether this is a real business. That’s why you’re attending the interview.

Attire
It’s still a good idea to dress in traditional business attire on the first interview. If this is a non-traditional employer, traditional business attire is mandatory.
But the rules on business attire have changed since the 1970s. Business suits for women could mean skirt and jacket or slacks and jacket. Whatever the combination, make certain the fit is good, falls from the hip and does not cling. The clothing should complement your form not accentuate and draw attention to it. The interview subject is your skill at doing the job, not your body (unless you’re modeling).
If this were other than a non-traditional interview, I would add additional steps to ascertain appropriate attire. But we’re keeping the focus narrow here, so these words are colored by the subject.
The only reservation and modification is if your meeting is in a less than formal setting. In that case, I would say maybe wear business casual attire. However, that definition gets morphed into so many states that I have to go back to my original words, wear traditional business attire. That’s the safe route.
As to Demeanor
This is a business meeting with someone who is essentially a stranger. The demeanor will be formal, as when you’re having a conversation with the person on the street. The exception? You know this person’s name and a bit more information that they shared with you over the phone.
You want to be polite and friendly in a formal sense.
Speech
How you speak to your interviewer will set the tone regarding who you are as a business person and how you will represent the company. Formal English is required. Industry terminology is great because it will demonstrate your knowledge of your craft.
Discussed in an earlier installment are topics that are off limits — personal information such as birthdays, relatives, marriage or child rearing / bearing plans, your dating life, topics that are not in any way related to the industry of the business.
Okay subjects that aren’t about the business? Yes, there are some. The ball game (actually, it establishes a statement about the personality). Some interesting observations about the concert or movie or display. A really great article or book you just discovered and what you got out of it. A great class you’re taking and why it is so. An instructor who is really motivating or makes a dense subject come alive.
It’s a Conversation for Getting Acquainted
Don’t get me wrong. An interview is not a time when you dig the moat and put up the wall. It’s a time when you have the opportunity to get to know the employer and their business better. It’s your opportunity to screen the employer. It’s a conversation, similar to that you would have if you were actually working together on a project.
It’s a time for getting acquainted and learning more. It is a time for being sensible. In this non-traditional situation, it is a time for heavily playing things on the safe side so that you don’t put the more vulnerable side of you out to the world.
If this employer passes all of your tests and screening, then I’d say ask, “What are the next steps in the employment process?” And I’d say if everything sounds right and safe, consider accepting an offer.