A Few Tips to Impress The Interviewer

Adapted from a recent washingtonpost.com online chat with Beverly Langford, author of "The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success."

Brentwood: What is one thing to do or say when interviewing for a new job that impresses the interviewer?

Beverly Langford: Demonstrate that you know about the company and the requirements of the job, and come to the interview prepared to ask insightful questions and make substantial comments. Convey to the hiring manager that you want this job, not just a job. Ask what constitutes exceptional performance in that position and how the company measures that performance. The hiring process costs companies a great deal of money. They want to see a significant return on their investment.

Chester, Va.: Which is preferred: A follow-up e-mail, phone call or handwritten note?

You are always safe with a handwritten note, since it's more traditional. However, if the corporate culture in the company where you interviewed is more casual or technology driven, an e-mail is appropriate. A phone call would be my last choice because it can come across as an intrusion. Sometimes I will send a quick e-mail immediately and follow up with a more formal written note. Overkill perhaps, but people like to be appreciated.

Arlington: Is a résumé considered more professional or less if it is written in the third person? I have always shied away from using "I" in my résumés -- and so far it seems to have served me well. But I am still unsure if there is a preferred standard for pronouns. What do you think?

Most résumés still appear in third person, using "telegraphic" sentences, which don't have a subject. For example, "Led a team that cut operating costs by 20 percent." Start with an action verb that focuses on outcomes and accomplishments. If you write in full sentences using the personal pronoun, the résumé is too full of "I's."