If you search the internet for job interview tips, you won’t be hard pressed for information. These tips and tricks are helpful as you prepare to bring your best self forward. But something that seems to be overlooked time and again is the “silent interview”. The minute you walk in the door, the interview has begun – and so many of us forget that our behaviors, demeanor and overall appearance are on display and do NOT go unnoticed. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to consider from the time you pull into the parking lot to the time you sit down to begin your interview:
- Make sure your car is tidy. It is a representation of you, and if it is caked with dirt and garbage pours out of the doors when you get out, one might assume that you are sloppy and careless. It doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive, make sure it is presentable, even if you are a pack rat and that means tossing everything into the trunk! Some HR reps will actually go out to the parking lot while you are interviewing to check out your vehicle.
- Before you even walk in the door, get yourself together. Make sure you are tucked in, hair is combed, no lipstick on the teeth, with copies of your resume in hand. Pause, take a deep breath and walk in calmly and confidently.
- Be there early. There are different schools of thought about what constitutes early, but all can agree that whether it’s 10 minutes or 30 minutes, be there early, ready to interview before your scheduled meeting time. If you factor in an additional 30 minutes, then should something come up like getting lost or ripping the hem in your pants, you have time to resolve the issue and still be there on time. Interviews can be stressful, so if you have time to sit, relax, and think about your strategy, you will present as a much more calm, organized and capable candidate.
- Leave your cell phone in the car. Don’t sit in the waiting area or conference room checking your emails or updating your Facebook status. It makes it look like you are not placing importance on the interview and that your priority is not to obtain the position, but to kill time until the interview begins. If you find yourself waiting, read over your resume and remind yourself of all of the examples you can provide about your accomplishments and professional achievements. You can also use the time to firm up the questions you will be asking of the interviewer.
- Look professional. Don’t play with your hair, smack your gum, sit cross-armed or hunched over. Sit with good posture in an engaged, attentive position. Say hello to people as they enter or walk by. You never know who they are! Strike up a friendly conversation with the front desk staff. They are usually the gatekeeper to all things important and can provide very valuable information about the company, the staff, the interviewer and the job opening.
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