ALT-4 Impressing an Interviewer
"The Devil Wears Prada" begins to describe the anxiety ridden task of impressing an interviewer.
From the moment you discover there is a person willing to grant a piece of their time to speak with you regarding a position - the tension, stress and indecisiveness begins.
What should I wear? Hair up or down? Is the temperature outside too hot or cold? What will the temperature be inside? Fluctuation could cause sweating or teeth chattering - both of which are completely unacceptable in such a situation.
Boots or heels? Flats are never acceptable as they present a person unsure of herself,who may as well be wearing her mother's skirt and hand-me-down sweater. 'Dress for the job you want, NOT the job you have',a phrase imbedded in my brain from an article I devoured while searching for the key to the interviewing kingdom.
Okay, the physicals are covered, now onto preparation of paperwork.
Walking in the door with a resume in your hand is not impressive. Pieces of paper stapled together are reminiscent of high school and will gain no points in creativity and organizational skills. Go with the unprinted folder, three-pronged in the center with inside pockets. This is the gold mine in which you attach (hopefully) letters of recommendation(always on top, your resume (always triple checked for errors in spelling, dates, and order of career progression)and, as I have learned being a woman of 40 - leave out dates of graduation and training completion unless they are recent and pertain to the job you are seeking.Use pokets for copies of certificates or training awards pertinate for the position. The interviewer needs to perceive you as fresh, up-to-date and in the know.
As you enter the building, (yes, it begins here), walking as though you are a model on a runway is the only thing you should have on your mind. I found out the hard way heading toward an interview as I had to call for final directions to the parking lot. "What are you driving?", I was asked. As I told her she said, "I can see you from the window, turn where the silver van is parked,... yes a little further,... now, turn right,... there's a spot... Great, I can see you getting out of the car - come on up!"
How horrifying! I was finishing the last of a nervous cigarette and fluffing my hair while driving and talking on the cell phone! What a presentation! Always remember,you never know where the window is,who may be watching,and how you will be judged as you saunter from your car into the building. First impressions stay in the mind, and a head-held-high, secure-in-herself-woman exiting her car will give signals which speak volumes.
So, we've made it past the parking lot, found the office, and walked in the door. Always act as though the person at the counter is the person who may hire you. Often times, especially in small offices, receptionists can play a key role in your future. Walking in and acting cold and stuffy may kill you in the long run if she is later asked, "What did you think?". If you were not warm and fuzzy, even the best resume cannot make up for the attitude which was projected onto 'already hired' office staff, and may kill your chance of survival through the final cut.
Additionally, while you are waiting, smile at those around you and acknowledge them! If someone strikes up a conversation, be as polite as a church mouse and socialize! Not only will this help to calm any last minute nerves, but if you are being watched (again - more common than you think), your interpersonal communication skills at work will be more believeable than the simple written statement of 'excellent interpersonal communication skills' on your resume. You would be surprised how many interviewers use the stalling technique to observe the interview-ee as they sit in the waiting area.
Now, you've gotten the call to come back to the office. You are greeted at the door by the person who holds your future in their hands. Extend a warm, firm handshake (make sure you have wiped the sweat from your palm first),look he or she square in the eye and thank them immediately for seeing you. Walk tall as you follow into the conference room, and sit as though you are a Princess. Never cross your legs in an interview! I once knew a girl who had the misfortune of wearing a skirt with a slit in the front and crossed her legs while sitting. There was no desk between her and her prospective boss. Imagine the 'Sharon Stone' scenario, and she kissed her dream job goodbye! (She did, however, learn a valuable lesson, and nailed the next interview. No slits, please!)
Finally, you have made yourself as uncomfortable as possible, are holding this Princess Barbie pose, and begin to answer questions about yourself, your career history and everything in between.You are in defense mode, explaining every choice you have made through the life of your career. Whatever you do, think before words come from your mouth, take a breath before you begin to speak, and never talk over an interviewer's sentence. Get the picture? The only way to truly impress an interviewer is, for one afternoon, pretend to be someone else. A Glamorous, highly skilled widget maker who can balance the world in one hand while holding the universe in the other.
Then, and only then, will you have truly made an impression.Happy job hunting!
