Over the last year, the Philippines saw a 10% increase in annual hiring activity, while approximately 62% of Filipino professionals engaged in upskilling or reskilling activities in 2023, driven by the need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
This landscape, paired with a robust and heavily challenging labour market, it now takes a lot for candidates to stand out when job-hunting. While traditional interview etiquette remains important, there are new rules and practices that job hunters must consider.
Here are 5 best practices for interview etiquette, including tips for both in-person and online interviews.
Before your interview, dive deep into the company’s mission, values, recent news, and culture, and use it to ask the right questions and give the most appropriate answers to questions.
With the availability of online resources, there’s no excuse for not being well-prepared. Many companies also have digital footprint on platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor, where you can gather insights from current and former employees for your own decision making.
“Cultural etiquette is especially important for global teams because various cultural perspectives can shape communication, delivery, and subtleties, influencing the overall hiring process. Be mindful, you can use this to your advantage by adhering to well-known cultural practices and knowing what to avoid, how to frame your answers appropriately, and in initiating casual conversations.”
Dress appropriately
For in-person interviews, dress according to the company’s culture—whether that’s business casual or more formal attire. For online interviews, remember that your appearance is still important. Choose professional, and ensure your background is neat and free from distractions.
Get there on time
For virtual interviews, log in 5-10 minutes early to troubleshoot any potential technical issues. Being prompt not only shows respect for the interviewer’s time but also demonstrates your commitment to the opportunity.
It’s the same for in-person interviews. There should always be a 20-30 minute grace period between the time you arrive and the time of your interview, in case something unplanned comes up.
Online interview preparation
Ensure your environment is quiet, well-lit, and free from interruptions. Use a neutral background or a professional virtual background if necessary. Check your internet connection, camera, and microphone in advance to avoid any technical glitches during the interview. Have digital documents readily accessible on your computer, and be prepared to share them quickly if requested.
Master Your Body Language
Good body language remains critical, even in virtual interviews. Maintain good posture, make eye contact with the camera (not just the screen), and avoid fidgeting. For in-person interviews, offer a firm handshake, smile, and maintain confident body language throughout the meeting.
Be Specific: Answer clearly and concisely
Whether online or in-person, aim to answer questions clearly and succinctly. Practice articulating your thoughts so you can confidently communicate your experiences and how they relate to the role. Avoid rambling, as it can dilute the impact of your answers.
Be specific with your answers and provide context on the impact your contribution had on the business, no matter how small. You’ll need to articulate what areas.
“Tell a story when talking about your career and how it has progressed throughout the years. It helps the interviewer understand your experiences and makes you memorable as a candidate. It’s all about impact.”
Highlight correctly
A subtle way to talk about your achievements without sounding boastful is through asking where the problem areas in the business are that the open role will have purview over, and highlighting any significant experience you had that relates to solving that, if any.
Honesty is non-negotiable in interviews, while transparency is going to help avoid confusion or doubt and could be beneficial to your application. In 2024, with more advanced background checks and digital footprints, as you highlight your experiences, ensure you are doing it with full honesty and transparency.
Prepare thoughtful questions
Always come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company culture.
“Discerning and diligently checking before pursuing a role helps set the expectations on your side both as a candidate with options, as well as a future employee.”
“Bonus points if you can make the interviewer laugh with your quick-wittedness.”
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