I would be willing to bet some of these things are on your mind as you get ready to interview. 

What is the appropriate dress code for an interview? – Should you wear formal business attire or is business casual acceptable?

• This depends on the job. For example, an attorney wears a suit in court and when meeting clients, so dress accordingly. 
• Most jobs these days have a more casual dress code. My best advice is make sure you are neat, clean and comfortable.  Keep it simple with a blouse, shirt, slacks, skirt or dress. 
• If you look in the mirror and have any qualms about what you see, change outfits.

How early should I arrive for the interview? – Is arriving 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time ideal?

• For a virtual interview log on at the start time.  No need to join early.  You might actually make the interviewer nervous or distract them.
• When meeting in person, leave extra early so you don’t have any excuse for being late.  Sit in your car or on a bench near the meeting place.  Go into the place of business a few minutes before your interview time.

Is it acceptable to shake hands with the interviewer? – Are there alternative greetings I should consider? 

• In our post-COVID environment, I would play this by ear.  Follow the body language of the other person.

What is the best way to answer questions about my weaknesses? – Should I admit a real flaw or frame it as a learning experience?

• Take the job posting and prepare at least 2 examples (I prefer 3) for each skill or behavior. 
• Be able to share that example in a positive way, but also think about something that may not have gone as expected or a problem that had to be solved.  Always be able to share what you learned from it, how you are doing things differently because of what you learned or how you recovered in time to save the day.

Should I maintain eye contact throughout the interview? – What if I feel nervous or uncomfortable making direct eye contact? 

• Yes, and it is okay to look at your notes now and then whether you are in person or meeting virtually. 
• During a virtual meeting let the interviewer tell you if the interview will continue on or off camera.  Most of the time you should expect to be on camera for the duration of the interview. 

Can I take notes during the interview? – Is it considered professional to bring a notebook or tablet?

• Yes, to both but, don’t let note taking delay the interview.  Jot down key words versus entire sentences.

Is it acceptable to ask about salary or benefits?

• Most job posting will provide a salary range.  I would wait until you are offered the job before asking for more details or about benefits. 
• Years ago a peer told me everything is negotiable, so keep that in mind.  If you feel you deserve more ask if there is room to negotiate, be respectful and be prepared to justify in a quantitative way why you deserve more money or benefits.

How should I handle unexpected or difficult questions? – What is the best approach to stay calm and composed? 

• My philosophy on this one is the more prepared you are with several examples for each skill/competency the less likely this is to happen, but it can happen. 
• Take your time thinking about the question.  Use the notes you have to come up with an example and do the best you can.

How far back do I go when using work examples?

• Internal position with your current company – stick with your most recent examples when you can.  Some of your experience may come from a previous role and that is perfectly fine.  Do not make your answer timebound.  Don’t say “three years ago I worked on…”  It’s like riding a bike.  Once you learn a skill and demonstrate the behavior you don’t lose it. 
• External hire – always use your best example of demonstrating the behavior and don’t make it timebound.  They have seen your work history on your resume.  Do not use examples that date your experience like referring to old technology that no one uses anymore. 

Is it okay to repeat the question.

• Yes, the interviewer will understand why you are doing so.

What kind of questions should I ask the interviewer? – Should I focus on the company, team dynamics, or next steps in the hiring process? 

• If you have seen my videos or read my blogs you will know I am a proponent of using this time to sell yourself.  As a hiring manager I expected people to have already researched the company, the role and my team if they are an internal applicant.
• Most companies are transparent about their goals and culture.  Learn as much as you can from their website. If you know someone working for the company get the scoop from them. 
• My strong recommendation – Use this precious time to let them know how excited you will be to work with them and how you can use your skills to make an immediate impact.  Share those skills.  This is your 1 Minute Elevator Speech (see link below) and it will separate you from the competition.

These questions address essential aspects of interview etiquette and will help you better understand how to present yourself professionally while navigating the nuances of the process.

Let me know in the comments if you have other questions!