Job interviews Etiquette

Use notes, not a script

Use bullet notes rather than reading a full script.

Sounds more natural and improves eye contact.

Interview candidate, Sales rep

Avoid eating in small-group discussions

Don’t eat during small-group discussions unless it’s a known working session.

Eating reduces clarity and can feel inattentive.

Interview candidate, Participant

Close unrelated tabs before joining

Before joining, close unrelated tabs and silence notifications.

Prevents distraction and accidental screen-share leaks.

Interview candidate, Participant, Sales rep

Use a tidy, neutral background

Choose a clean background with minimal movement and no sensitive items visible.

Reduces distraction and protects privacy.

Interview candidate, Participant, Presenter / speaker

Avoid virtual backgrounds in high-stakes calls

Avoid glitchy virtual backgrounds for high-stakes conversations unless they look stable.

Visual artifacts can be distracting and may reduce perceived professionalism.

Interview candidate, Participant, Sales rep

Turn camera on for interviews

Keep your camera on for interviews unless you’ve agreed otherwise.

Helps build trust and improves communication cues.

Host / facilitator, Interview candidate, Interviewer

Frame at eye level

Position the camera at eye level and keep your face centered with head-and-shoulders framing.

Creates a natural, professional presence and reduces distraction.

Interview candidate, Presenter / speaker, Sales rep

Look at the lens for key moments

When making a key point, glance at the camera lens to simulate eye contact.

Signals confidence and attentiveness.

Interview candidate, Presenter / speaker, Sales rep

Light your face from the front

Use front-facing light (window or lamp) so your face is evenly lit.

Improves clarity and makes you easier to read.

Interview candidate, Presenter / speaker

Check video before joining

Do a quick self-check (lighting, angle, background) before clicking Join.

Prevents avoidable distractions at the start.

Participant, Presenter / speaker

No eating on camera in formal meetings

Avoid eating on camera in formal meetings unless it’s explicitly a working meal.

Maintains professionalism and reduces noise/distraction.

Interview candidate, Participant, Sales rep

Be cautious with emojis in formal settings

In formal meetings, use reactions sparingly and avoid ambiguous emojis.

Different people interpret emojis differently.

Interview candidate, Participant

Dress appropriately for the meeting context

Choose attire that matches the importance and audience of the meeting.

Visual appearance influences credibility and first impressions.

Do a 10-second audio check

Test your mic and speakers before important calls.

Prevents avoidable delays and awkward troubleshooting live.

Interview candidate, Presenter / speaker, Sales rep

Use a stable connection or dial-in

If your internet is unstable, use a wired connection or dial-in audio.

Audio reliability matters more than HD video.

Interview candidate, Sales rep

Minimize distracting accessories

Avoid loud jewelry, noisy bracelets, or anything that catches the mic.

Prevents audio and visual distractions.

Interview candidate, Participant, Sales rep

Match formality to the meeting type

Dress one level more formal than your everyday baseline for the same audience.

Signals respect and professionalism without being distracting.

Interview candidate, Presenter / speaker, Sales rep

Keep grooming camera-ready

Do a quick grooming check (hair, face, visible clothing) before joining.

Small details influence first impressions on video.

Interview candidate, Sales rep

Keep your camera view stable

Avoid handheld devices; use a stable surface for your camera.

A steady image looks more professional and reduces motion sickness.

Interview candidate, Participant

Keep workspace visible area tidy

Ensure the visible workspace looks orderly and professional.

What’s in frame shapes perceived competence.

Interview candidate, Sales rep

Join 2–5 minutes early

Join a few minutes early to resolve audio/video issues before the meeting starts.

Protects the first minutes for content, not troubleshooting.

Interview candidate, Participant, Sales rep

Avoid last-minute reschedules

Only reschedule last-minute when necessary, and propose clear alternatives.

Shows respect and reduces coordination costs.

Host / facilitator, Interviewer, Sales rep