by STEPHEN DITKO
The following tips offered as advice for the interviewee. Some are "tongue in cheek" based upon my personal experience but most are time-tested and accepted as solid counsel. In the future, we'll add to our list. For our first Ten Tips please consider the following:
1. Don't bring a gun to the interview. Early in my career I interviewed a candidate who didn't bother taking off his leather outerwear jacket for the interview. When I suggested that he might be more comfortable by taking off his jacket, he did so reluctantly. He slowly, and very carefully, removed his jacket and put in on a hanger and as he did so the butt of a revolver popped out of the pocket. It was a very cordial interview but he didn't get the job.
2. If you are forced into interviewing over a meal, order food that allows you to eat with a fork - but don't order linguini. It is difficult enough to interview well. Why create a situation that causes additional stress. Sandwiches or other finger foods don't allow you to look anything other than awkward. Also, you should be doing most of the talking so don't feel obligated to finish. You may look piggish in the process.
3. Know what your best "side" is. Whether you realize it or not, you
have a best "side". Most human beings feel more comfortable talking and glancing to the left or to the right. Learn if you have a preference. Check out the seating arrangements for the interview, especially if you're in a restaurant. If you can't be in a head-on arrangement try to maneuver so that you put yourself in your preferred position. As a rule of thumb, right-handed people feel more comfortable glancing to the left ‚ and vice-versa.
4. Dress conservatively. I am frequently asked about appropriate dress for an interview. My advice is typically to dress conservatively. This usually means a dark suit, white shirt and tie for a man and the same 'spirit" in dress for a woman. There are exceptions to this rule but don't risk it unless you know for sure. Most interviewers will expect that you may err on the side of conservatism but will frown if you err the other way. Remember, you can always take a suit jacket off or loosen a tie if circumstances require. It is difficult to go the other way.
5. Don't bring your spouse, or significant other, to the interview - unless invited. This may seem so obvious that it doesn't merit mention but I have actually been in situations where this became an issue. In one case, the interviewee spent most of the interview being elbowed in the side by the spouse. This usually provoked the interviewee to change the answer. Needless to say, I have no idea where that candidate ended up working. I would no longer allow this situation to occur but such a request from a candidate wouldn't sit well.
6. Maintain good eye contact. Of all the truisms that interviewers espouse one universally accepted truth is that good eye contact is important. Good eye contact supports confidence and truthfulness. Good eye contact is required in order to be persuasive. Good eye contact allows you a better listener and responder. Good eye-contact let's you know if your message has been received. Good eye contact is critical in an interview situation. What is good eye contact? The experts tell us that good-eye contact means that you are looking at the person you are communicating with, in a one-on-one situation, at least 20% of the time - not as difficult as you thought.
7. Don't lick your shoes. When I am asked, 'What is the most unusual interview you have ever experienced", I have no hesitation in my response. Honesty requires me to admit that I was a second-hand participant but I have no doubt about its' authenticity. I managed the HR function for a Fortune 500 company located in one of our colder climates and it was winter. Our Director of Management Development had just interviewed a candidate for a financial management position and he immediately headed for my office to tell me that the candidate, in the middle of the interview, suddenly removed one of his black loafers, and started licking it. The look of amazement on the interviewer's face prompted the interviewee to explain that, 'I like the taste of the salt". I would respectfully suggest that you don't do this.
8. If you don't know the answer ‚ say so. Good interviewers respect honesty and can smell a fabricated answer a mile away. We've all been placed in those situations where we are 'making it up" as we go along. Think about what you are feeling in those situations. Typically your speech patterns change ‚ usually slow down. Also you may feel yourself getting flushed. Good interviewers will spot these things every time. But also keep in mind: if you find yourself saying, 'I don't know" too frequently ‚ take a hint. This probably isn't the right job for you.
9. Keep your references informed. If you are asked to provide references, please take care to have received permission from those references to use their name and be sure that they will be a positive reference. Also take the time to call each reference and let them know that they may receive a call. Tell them about the situation and about the person who will call. They will appreciate the courtesy and the insight you provide.
10. Exude a positive attitude. Many employers these days will "hire by committee". This process may wear you down. If you have been "in transition" for some time, or if you have come out of a bad situation, you may be depressed or bitter, but you cannot allow those feelings to appear in an interview process. It is all too easy to be critical of a prior employer or supervisor. Don't allow yourself to do this, even if prompted by a seasoned interviewer. You need to be positive and exited about the opportunity you are interviewing for. You need to demonstrate energy and enthusiasm. Don't wilt under the pressure or the process.
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