Make a Pit Stop to avoid a Pitfall

by Mitch Byers :: September 12th, 2007 :: Posted in Interviewing to Win |

Make a Pit Stop to avoid a Pitfall

There are plenty of sources highlighting common sense interviewing practices: Dress appropriately, don’t chew gum (or tobacco), arrive a few minutes early and give a firm handshake. We all know the drill. Pretty basic stuff, but missing something basic can really trip you up.

Here is one more tidbit. Arrive a few minutes early and find the restroom. In an office building, pick a restroom away from the company suite. If the restroom is housed within the office, stop on the way at the nearest McDonalds. Here is the action plan:
1)    Get yourself in order. Straighten the tie, check your button down collars, freshen the lipstick, freshen the breath, pinch your cheeks, blow your nose, wash your hands. Go very light on the perfume.
2)    Silence your cell phone (a common oversight). If you are expecting an emergency call, convey this information to the interviewer before you get started.
3)    Take a deep breath and hold for 20 seconds. Release slowly. Repeat 10 times. This is an idea evangelized by Tony Robbins.
4)    Look yourself square in the mirror and give yourself a 30 second pep talk. This little rahrah sets the stage for you’re the all important introduction.
5)    Stand up straight, put your hand out and shake it like you mean it.
6)    Proceed to the company suite like you own the building.

Make the pit stop and avoid a pitfall.