So, I’m walking through the lobby of one of our branch offices the other day. There was an applicant awaiting an interview. No news there.
I could get over the fact that she wasn’t dressed appropriately. Unfortunately, we see that too much these days. But what made me stop–and made me post this blog–is that she had her laptop out and was emailing/IM-ing while she was waiting. But wait, there’s more. She was talking–out loud. And, not to anyone in the office. I clearly thought the girl was crackers until I saw the little blue light flashing through her hair near where her ear should be…So here she is, dressed too casually, talking on her Bluetooth, emailing her buddies while she awaits our interview.
Now, before you go all 21st century on me and award her MultiTasker of the Year, hear me out. Is it really a good use of the few minutes you might spend in the lobby awaiting an interview? Wouldn’t it be better to recap your thoughts and run through your questions/answers in preparation for the interview? Reminding yourself why you are the best candidate for the opening? Reviewing the facts and figures that you’ll be asked to recall in the meeting?
Not only that, but her actions already tainted my first impressions. Remember when I thought she was talking out loud to herself, that wasn’t a good thing. I quickly realized I was wrong, but still…I mean, it’s days later and I still remember my initial thoughts. Mama always said you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
If I hadn’t had to leave the office for a meeting, I would have stayed to watch how she handled the handshake when the interviewer came to collect her in the lobby. The picture I have is that first she had to tell the person on the phone “Hey, gotta go. They’re ready to talk to me now. Okay. Okay. See you then. I love you. Bye” –all while she is motioning to the interviewer to “hold on a sec.” You know, the talk-to-the-hand pose. Then that darn laptop. Whatever was she going to do with that? Finish typing her missive. Log off. Shut down. Close it. Put it in the bag. Pick up the bag. Pick up her purse. THEN, she would be prepared to shake the hand of the interviewer and walk down the hall. And, I suppose she could take the Bluetooth off and throw it in her purse while she’s walking behind the interviewer to the interview room…
The first meeting with the hiring manager is likely to make the most vivid impression. Here are some basic guidelines you can follow to make sure the foot in the door is the right foot.
Don’t underestimate the power of your professional appearance. This is the first time the interviewer will see you and, like it or not, what you wear could affect your chances of proceeding to the next round of interviews. Your goal should be to blend in. Whether you’re applying for a position at a bank or as a webmaster, dress appropriately for the job you want.
Remember this: the interview begins as soon as you arrive at the company. Most businesses have a reception area where you’ll wait to meet the person conducting your interview, and this is when many job seekers let their guard down. You may be evaluated just as much in the waiting area as in the interview itself. Make sure you are friendly to the receptionist, assistant, or anyone else who may greet you before and after the interview. It’s becoming common practice for managers to inquire about candidate’s behavior with everyone who meets them. If you are discourteous to a receptionist or anyone else at the company, it will negatively impact your chances of getting the job.
Unbelievable that some of this has to be said, but:
- Don’t ask the receptionist to make copies of anything for you. Be prepared. Besides, you don’t work there yet. She’s not your assistant.
- You can accept a beverage, if offered. But think simplicity. Don’t order a double soy latte decaf with two sugars.
- Don’t eat while waiting for the interview. Imagine having to shake hands with someone who has orange cheeto dust and goo all over his hands.
- And, don’t talk on your cell. That’s simply annoying.
Use your waiting time wisely. Review your experiences and contributions to past employers. Remind yourself of your best qualities. Remember the questions that you need to ask about the job, the company and the culture. If nothing else, use the time to relax and calm your nerves. You’re about to make a presentation. An important presentation. A potentially life-changing presentation. Don’t underestimate it. You need to be prepared.
The more you prepare for the interview, the better impression you’ll make on the people you meet — and the more you’ll increase your chances of securing the job offer.
