Mastering Interview Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Job Interviews in the UK for Non-British Candidates

If you’re a non-British candidate seeking employment in the UK, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step towards an exciting new career opportunity. The interview process, like any job search, may be difficult, particularly if you are not familiar with regional norms and interview etiquette. This guide to interview etiquette for non-British applicants was put together to assist you in making a strong impression and boosting your chances of success.

These dos and don’ts will arm you with the knowledge and self-assurance you need to ace your interview, whether you’re applying for a job in London, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK. Mastering interview etiquette provides you with the basic knowledge of how to stand out in a virtual interview.

Mastering Interview Etiquette

In this interview etiquette post, we’ll cover a range of topics, including:

• Preparing for the interview
• Dressing appropriately
• Greeting and introducing yourself
• Using proper language and tone
• Answering common interview questions
• Asking your own questions
• Following up after the interview

Let’s get started and learn how to master interview etiquette so that you can leave a positive impression on UK employers. If you are looking for tips on how to handle virtual interview questions and answers, this interview etiquette is also applicable to virtual interviewing tips for hiring managers.

Preparing for the Interview

Do some research on the firm and the position you are applying for before the interview. This will assist you in responding to inquiries regarding the company’s goods, services, and core principles. You should also be conversant with the job description and be ready to explain how your qualifications fulfil the requirements of the position.

Additionally, make sure you are familiar with the interview’s structure. A panel or a lone interviewer will be asking you questions. Are tests or exercises planned? Knowing what to anticipate will make you feel more at ease and assured.

Dressing Appropriately

In the UK, it’s important to dress appropriately for your interview. While the dress code will depend on the company and the industry, a good rule of thumb is to dress smartly and conservatively.

For men, this usually means wearing a suit, shirt, and tie. Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and well-fitted. Avoid bright colours, bold patterns, and loud accessories.

For women, a suit, dress, or skirt and blouse is a good choice. Again, make sure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and conservative. Avoid revealing or tight clothing, excessive jewellery, and heavy makeup.

Greeting and Introducing Yourself

When you arrive for the interview, be sure you are on time. Being on time is highly prized in the UK, so arriving late for an interview can leave a bad first impression.

Give your interviewer a warm grin and a solid handshake when you first meet them. If the interviewer introduced themselves to you by name, be careful to use their name when you are introducing yourself to them.

Using Proper Language and Tone

In the UK, it’s important to use proper language and tone during your interview. This means speaking clearly and confidently, and avoiding slang, jargon, or overly casual language.

Don’t be hesitant to ask the hiring manager for clarification if you don’t understand a question. Asking for clarification is preferable to providing an inaccurate response.

Answering Common Interview Questions

At your interview, you are going to receive many different kinds of questions about your background, education, and experience. Consider your strengths and shortcomings as you get ready for these questions, and be ready to provide instances where you’ve displayed important abilities like teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving.

It’s crucial to be able to articulate your interest in the position and the firm as well as how you would benefit the latter.

Asking Your Own Questions

At the end of your interview, the interviewer is likely to ask if you have any questions. This is a good opportunity to show your interest in the company and the role.

Prepare a list of questions in advance, such as:

• What are the biggest challenges facing the company in the next 12 months?
• What opportunities are there for career development within the organisation?
• What is the company culture like?

Make sure your questions are relevant and show that you’ve done your research on the company. Learn more about the UK job market and how to search for a job as a foreigner.

Following Up After the Interview

It’s an excellent approach to write and send a thank-you email or letter after you are done with the interview. This will show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reinforce your interest in the job.

In your email, thank the interviewer for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the job. You may further want to highlight any significant details from the interview that stood out to you as particularly pertinent or fascinating.

Dos and Don’ts of Job Interviews in the UK

After discussing some basic interview etiquette advice for the UK, let’s look at some particular dos and don’ts to remember:

Dos:

• Research the company and the job you’re applying for
• Dress smartly and conservatively
• Arrive on time
• Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake
• Use proper language and tone
• Be prepared to answer a range of questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications
• Ask relevant questions to show your interest in the company and the role
• Follow up with a thank-you email or letter after the interview

Don’ts:

• Be late for the interview
• Dress inappropriately
• Use slang, jargon, or overly casual language
• Speak too quietly or too quickly
• Criticise your current or previous employer
• Ask about salary or benefits before the interviewer brings it up
• Forget to follow up with a thank-you email or letter

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s crucial to understand local customs and etiquette while applying for jobs in the UK if you’re a non-British candidate. This is especially true during job interviews. By implementing the dos and don’ts given in this post, you can improve your probability of success and make an excellent impression on UK employers.

Remember to do your homework on the business and the position, dress professionally but conservatively, be punctual, shake the interviewer’s hand firmly, use appropriate language and tone, be ready to answer a variety of questions, ask pertinent questions to demonstrate your interest, and send a thank-you note or email afterward.

We wish good luck with your job search!