Amy,

This is old school but practical from an interviewers point of view it allows them to gauge a little about you. I do not think it will hurt your chances but it is something you should keep in the back of your mind.

Being courteous to everyone you come in contact with as you interview will tend to set you apart.

As an aside have you ever gone out to eat with someone and as soon as the food arrives they grab the salt and pepper and go to town on seasoning food they haven't tasted?

What that says is this person isn't going to take the time to assess a situation they are going to assume they know how things are and could potentially judge something incorrectly. It is also why good chefs tend to slightly under season the food they send out because it will be this person who complains that their food isn't right.

Best of luck in your job search.

Well it depends on who the interviewer is. I say be yourself and market yourself as being the best. However appropiate etiquette should be practiced. Research the company n the interviewer ( on linked in) Ask lots of questions n follow up with a thank you letter

Good manners and politeness is never "old-fashioned" or "new-fashioned." And it's not about control. It is always in vogue to be courteous and respectful. Making yourself "at home" before invited to do so is impolite. You wouldn't just walk over to the fridge and help yourself to a bottled water, or use their office phone, or use their first name without invited, would you? Different situation, same principle.

When you are in someone's home, business etc it is polite not to sit before being invited to. Yes it's old fashioned but correct - as most old fashioned things are.

In my opinion when you are competent and have what it takes, the other factors are still considered, but are not determining factors.

Sitting down before you are invited shows that you are controlling the situation most employers want to be in control of the interview process. Sitting down before being invited is a dominant posture the interview process is inherently submissive and that what the employer in most cases is looking for. Be submissive yet confident in your abilities allow the interviewer to lead you, the best trait of all leaders is submissivity to being lead.

I think I've actually heard that before. Like the article says, it may be a little old fashioned, but I don't know that it would actually hurt your chances of getting the job. Lots of other great tips as well!

Wow, that's a weird one. I feel like they're really stretching for advice here!