Diane Lee: Interviewing Etiquette Brings Out the Truth

No longer can you, Mr. Hiring manager, get away with bad behavior in an interview and think you will be able to hire the person across the desk from you. When your offer gets turned down and you think it was because of a higher offer, know that was probably not the case. It’s you, not me!

Today’s Quote:

"Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential." - Will Cupp

Guest Bio:

Diane Lee is a foremost expert in providing professionals, specifically millennial workers, with the business etiquette best practices needed to successfully present themselves in the workforce. Diane founded Street Smart Etiquette in 2011 to empower millennials beyond the theoretical, offering hands-on workshops and individualized etiquette courses to help them master business soft skills, and ultimately achieve career success. She has conducted business etiquette classes on California State University campuses at Fullerton, Long Beach and Northridge, along with El Camino, Long Beach and Pasadena community colleges. Diane has been a featured speaker for many Los Angeles and Orange County community, civic and business organizations.

This venture builds on Diane’s successful career in journalism and business marketing. After graduating from California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in public relations and business, Diane made a career in Maui, Hawaii, where she played many roles in the hospitality industry and television, and was a freelance writer. In the consumer food product industry, Diane expanded the production and distribution of many Hawaiian brands throughout the Pacific Rim and western United States, and achieved millions in annual sales for her clients.

After relocating back to the Los Angeles/Orange County area in 2008, Diane found herself at the Disneyland Resort, where she discovered her passion for training and development in the Guest Relations department. That’s where the light bulb went off and the urgent need for interpersonal communication skills was identified. Diane earned her credentials as a certified trainer at The Protocol School of Washington, and is also a certified training designer through the Association of Talent Development (formerly ASTD).

Show Highlights:

• Why it is important to develop your interviewing etiquette
• Provide a checklist on what to do first

Problem:

Why is this important?

• The market is demanding it
  • Evidenced by turn downs

How should you treat people in the interview?

• How do you get someone in the right mindset for your interview
• Get people comfortable
• Mindset: get the best out of the person by giving them the most
  • Charismatic listing
• Good first impression & look credible
  • Duschene smile - smile with your eyes!
  • Offer a drink of water
• Be punctual:
  • Discuss & contrast - 10 minute cutoff
• Story Bad experience:
  • Kept waiting 45 minutes & had Dodger game on the whole time

Rick’s Input

• The people you are trying to recruit are the decision makers (Sellers Market)
• An accurate picture of what daily life is really like. Own your culture
• Be present

Solutions:

How does a hiring manager use Etiquette to their advantage?

Here is a checklist of what to do to maximize your interview experience.

• Greeting
  • Personal presentation- etiquette is making the other person feel comfortable
  • An air of credibility, one chance to make a first impression
• Remember the person’s name
• 5 minutes of small talk
• Ease the nerves
• Then get into the meat of the conversation
• Art of listening- leaning into the conversation
• Your Physical Cues
  • Body posture, body language,
  • 70% of people fail the interview due to lack of eye contact & smiling
• Charisma- everyone should walk out feeling like they really want to work for you
• Setting the person up for success - preparation, sending email re Parking.

Rick’s Input

• Approach each interview with Candor & Curiosity
• Hiring manager needs to set the example by being prepared
• No cell phone 

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare for the interview, read & organize your info & questions. Check your personal presentation
• Make a genuine smile, positive body language, eye contact and active listening techniques automatic habits
• Get the most out of your time by ensuring the candidate is comfortable and you are relaxed & focused
• Set your candidate up for success with appt details, beyond time and place, such as expectations, as well as,  traffic & parking tips to alleviate pre-interview stress