15 Etiquette Interview Questions and Answers

In today’s job market, it’s not just what you say in an interview that counts—it’s also how you say it. Etiquette is important in any professional setting, but it’s especially crucial during a job interview, when you’re trying to make a good impression on a potential employer.

Unfortunately, many job seekers don’t know the proper etiquette for interviews. They may be unsure of how to dress or what questions to ask. As a result, they can come across as nervous or unprepared, which can hurt their chances of getting the job.

To help you ace your next job interview, we’ve compiled a list of etiquette-related questions you may be asked, along with sample answers to help you get started.

1. What are the major differences between business etiquette and ordinary manners?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you understand the nuances of etiquette and how it differs from ordinary manners. They want to know that you can apply proper etiquette in a professional setting, so they might also ask about your experience with business etiquette.

Example: “Business etiquette is more formal than ordinary manners. For example, when I’m at work, I should always address my colleagues by their last names or titles. In an ordinary situation, however, I would use first names unless someone asked me not to. Business etiquette also involves knowing which fork to use for certain courses and other details like that.”

2. Can you explain what table manners are?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have the proper etiquette for a formal dinner. They want to know that you understand what table manners are and how they apply to professional settings. In your answer, explain what table manners are and give an example of when you used them in a previous job or social setting.

Example: “Table manners are the rules we follow at the dinner table. For instance, I learned as a child not to talk with my mouth full and to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat. These are just two examples of table manners that I use every day. At my last job, I was responsible for hosting company dinners once per month. I always made sure to remind my team about table manners so that we could all enjoy our meals.”

3. Why is it important to be punctual when meeting someone else for a business event or dinner?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your punctuality and time management skills. They want to know that you understand the importance of being on time for business events, especially if they’re likely to be scheduled during rush hour or in the evening. In your answer, explain how it’s important to respect other people’s time by arriving on time.

Example: “I think it’s very important to arrive on time when meeting someone else at a business event or dinner because it shows that you value their time as much as you value yours. If I’m running late, I always call ahead to let them know so they aren’t waiting around for me. It also helps to give yourself plenty of extra time to get there so you don’t have to rush.”

4. Can you explain some of the basic rules that should be followed while sending an email?

This question is a great way to assess your etiquette skills. It allows you to show the interviewer that you know how to communicate effectively in an electronic format. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the most important rules for sending emails and provide examples of when you’ve followed them.

Example: “I always make sure to proofread my email before I send it. This helps me avoid spelling or grammar mistakes. I also try to keep my emails short and concise. If I have too much information to include in one email, I’ll break it up into multiple messages instead. Another thing I do is reply all only if I need to add something to the conversation. Otherwise, I just reply to the person who sent me the message.”

5. What do you think is wrong with scheduling meetings late in the evening?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of proper etiquette in the workplace. It also allows you to show that you understand how important it is for employees to be able to get home on time and have enough energy to complete their work the next day.

Example: “I think it’s wrong because it can make people feel like they’re being taken advantage of, especially if they have to drive long distances to get to work. I’ve had to do this before, and it was very stressful. If I’m working late at night, I want to know that my employer cares about me and wants me to succeed.”

6. What are some small things people can do to make their emails more professional?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience with email etiquette. They want to know that you can write professional emails and keep your messages clear, concise and easy to read. In your answer, share a few tips for writing better emails. You can also mention how these skills help you communicate more effectively in general.

Example: “I think it’s important to use proper grammar and spelling when sending an email. It makes the message clearer and easier to understand. I also find it helpful to include a subject line at the top of my email so the recipient knows what they’re reading about. Another thing I do is make sure each paragraph has its own topic sentence. This helps people scan through the email quickly and get the information they need.”

7. How can one improve the quality of their work without spending too much time on it?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any time-management skills. They want to know that you can complete your work in a timely manner while still maintaining high quality standards. In your answer, explain how you plan out your day and prioritize your tasks so you can meet deadlines without sacrificing the quality of your work.

Example: “I find it helpful to create a daily schedule for myself. I start by writing down all my assignments for the week, then break them up into days. This helps me stay organized and ensures I’m completing my work on time. It also allows me to focus on one task at a time rather than trying to multitask. Another way I improve the quality of my work is by asking questions when I need help.”

8. What does being proactive mean, in your opinion?

Employers ask this question to see if you know what proactive means. They want to make sure that you can use the term correctly in your daily life and work. In your answer, explain what it means to be proactive and give an example of a time when you were proactive.

Example: “Being proactive means taking action before someone else asks you to do something. I think being proactive is important because it shows initiative and responsibility. For instance, at my last job, we had a problem with customers not receiving their orders on time. We all discussed possible solutions, but I suggested hiring more employees to help us get orders out faster. The company liked my idea so much that they hired two new people right away.”

9. Do you think there’s ever a good reason for not replying promptly to emails?

This question can help interviewers understand your approach to communication and how you handle email. It’s important to be prompt in responding to emails, but there are some situations where it might take longer than usual to respond. In your answer, consider giving a specific example of when you had to wait longer than normal to reply to an email and what the situation was.

Example: “I think that replying promptly is one of the most important things we can do as professionals. However, I’ve encountered situations where I needed to wait longer than usual to reply to an email because I was waiting for someone else to get back to me before I could send my response. This happened once at my last job when I was working on a project with another employee. We were both waiting for information from our supervisor, so we decided to hold off on sending each other any more emails until we got her input.”

10. What are some common mistakes made by people when they’re trying to build relationships in the workplace?

This question can help an interviewer determine how well you understand the importance of etiquette in the workplace. It’s important to show that you know what behaviors are appropriate and which ones aren’t when it comes to building relationships with your coworkers.

Example: “Some common mistakes I’ve seen people make when trying to build relationships at work include not introducing themselves to new colleagues, not asking questions about others’ interests or lives and not making eye contact while talking to someone. These all seem like small things, but they’re actually quite important for creating a positive environment where everyone feels welcome.”

11. Is it possible to have a happy and healthy relationship with someone at work if they don’t share the same values as you?

This question is a great way to assess your interpersonal skills and how you interact with others. It also helps the interviewer understand if you can work well with people who have different opinions or beliefs than you do. Your answer should show that you respect other people’s values, even if they differ from yours.

Example: “I believe it’s possible to maintain a healthy relationship with someone at work as long as we’re respectful of each other. I’ve worked with many people who had different views on things like politics or religion, but we were able to remain professional and cordial toward one another. I think it’s important to be open-minded and accepting of everyone.”

12. How can one show respect towards colleagues who come from different cultures?

Employers may ask this question to see how you can work with people from different backgrounds. Show them that you are willing to learn about your colleagues’ cultures and customs, and that you respect their differences.

Example: “I believe it is important to be respectful of others’ cultures and customs. I would make an effort to learn more about my colleague’s culture by asking questions or reading up on the subject. If I made a mistake, I would apologize and try to do better next time. I think it is also important to show respect for one’s own culture as well. I would continue to practice my own traditions while working with my colleagues.”

13. What is the difference between customer service and client service?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you understand the nuances of etiquette in a business setting. They want to know that you can apply your knowledge of etiquette to customer service and client relations. In your answer, explain what each term means and how they differ from one another. You can also give an example of when you used both skills in your previous job.

Example: “Customer service is the way you interact with customers while providing them with products or services. It’s important to be friendly and helpful, but it’s equally as important to adhere to company policies and procedures. Client service, on the other hand, is more about building relationships with clients. I believe that treating people well leads to long-term success for businesses. So, I always make sure to greet my clients by name and remember details about their lives.”

14. Can you give me examples of how to use social media professionally?

Social media is a common way to network and promote yourself professionally. Employers want to know that you understand how to use social media in a professional manner, so they can be sure you won’t post anything inappropriate or damaging to their company’s reputation. In your answer, explain the steps you take when using social media for work purposes.

Example: “I always make sure my profile picture and cover photo are appropriate for my brand. I also ensure that all of my posts are relevant to my industry and include hashtags that will help me reach more people. When I’m on social media during work hours, I try to respond to comments and messages as quickly as possible. This shows that I am available and willing to engage with others.”

15. What kind of information should never be shared publicly on social media?

Employers want to know that you understand the importance of discretion when using social media. They may ask this question to see if you have any experience with making a mistake on social media and how you’ve learned from it. In your answer, explain what information is private and why. Share an example of a time you made a mistake on social media and how you handled it.

Example: “I would never share anything too personal or confidential on social media. I once posted about my job search on Facebook, which was a mistake because some of my friends are family members who could tell who I am by my profile picture. After realizing my mistake, I deleted the post and started searching for jobs more privately.”