Is it alright to go to a job interview and keep your helmet on? What about addressing the person by their first name, wearing denims, chewing gum or answering your mobile phone if it rings?

Trudy Snaith, a certified Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol consultant says “absolutely not”!

Ms Snaith met with The Royal Gazette <$>to offer teenagers advice on how to land those sought-after summer jobs.

“It is much better to start out the right way than try to correct bad interviewing habits years from now,” she advises. “There are lots of suggestions for going to job interviews, but with just five etiquette rules, you will put yourself on the top of the list.”

It is important to always be on time or even early Ms Snaith notes.

“Doing so will give you an opportunity to collect your thoughts and calm down because you’re probably nervous. It is also a good time to read information about the company which is usually found in reception areas. This will give you some additional information about the company.”

Another suggestion is to be nice to the receptionist: “Make a lasting impression. Chances are the person who interviewed you might ask the receptionist about you. If you were especially nice to her, she might mention this.”

When meeting the person who will be interviewing you, introduce yourself and shake their hand. Ms Snaith suggests this will give you an air of confidence.

“Call the person by name, as in Mr. or Mrs., during the interview as this will also show maturity and that you have a good head on your shoulders,” Ms Snaith adds.

“Do not make any negative comments during your interview,” she says. “Not about previous employment, employers or anyone. This will indicate a lack of discretion.”

If the interviewer should ask about your previous employment experience, Ms Snaith suggests being positive and mentioning some of the highlights of having worked there.

She points out that it is also important to remain business-like during the interview, not informal: “Even if you know the person very well, still refer to them as Mr. or Mrs. Speak clearly, make sure you know something about the job you are applying for, be prepared to talk about your life goals if asked and act as if you want the job.

“Always send a thank you note afterwards, whether you get the job or not. This is a sign of courtesy and maturity,” she adds.

There is a right and a wrong way to write a thank you note. Ms Snaith points out it is very important to put the company’s address on the centre front of the envelope and your return address in the top left corner: “Putting your address at the back of the envelope is something you only do when the letter is to a friend or family member.”

“Stick to formality and use a small note, preferably plain and make sure you put the date in the bottom left corner of the note. Do not use a commercial thank you note, especially one that is decorated with flowers and the like,” Ms Snaith elaborates. “You never know if you might apply for work there in the future and they will remember you because of the note.”

She adds that if your application is successful, it is important to maintain a good work ethic: “Be dependable and perform in such a way that you would be proud to let anyone know you are responsible for that work. You want this employer to invite you back or give you a good reference for future employment.”