Dear Diane,
I am currently interviewing for a job with a large company and am wondering about the protocol for meeting my interviewers for the first time. Specifically, I am confused about the difference between greeting a male and female interviewer. What is the proper way to greet a man versus a woman?
J.B.
Dear J.B.,
This is a good question. The confusion comes from years ago when we took a basic manners class as a child. Many of us were taught, “little boys stand up for introductions, and little girls stay seated.” However, in the business world, men and women are gender-neutral and equal. As a woman, or man, interviewing for the job, the first person that extends their hand for a handshake shows confidence and respect. A woman should stand to greet their interviewer, whether the interviewer is a male or female. Of course, make sure to introduce yourself using both your first and last name, make direct eye contact, and display a genuine smile.
Good luck!
Diane
You may also like Interview Etiquette: Follow Up. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
