I was invited for a technical discussion for a senior role. The session was scheduled, and I connected five minutes early, while the panel members joined on time. However, the discussion lacked several fundamental interview etiquette standards, which reflected poorly on the company’s professionalism and brand image.
The following practices are expected as a minimum standard for senior-level interviews:
1. Cameras On – All participants should keep their cameras on. In remote discussions, this is critical to ensure clear engagement and professional interaction.
2. Panel Introductions – Each panel member must introduce themselves at the start so the candidate knows who they are speaking with.
3. Role & Project Overview – If possible, A concise briefing about the role and project should be shared before moving into technical questions.
4. Candidate Introduction – The candidate should be invited to provide a short introduction, maintaining structure and flow in the discussion.
5. Structured Questioning – Technical questions should follow in an organized manner, reflecting preparation and professionalism from the panel’s side.
In my journey in the software industry, these practices have been the norm across well-established organizations. Not following them not only disrupts the interview experience but also undermines the company’s ability to showcase its standards and culture to senior candidates.
