The Little Things Matter to Interview Success

Yahoo has several tips they call minor matters that make your interview successful. I thought I'd highlight a few of these and comment on them. Here goes:

Lay out your clothing in advance. Also, gather all the other important materials you'll need for the interview in one place, where you will be sure not to forget them. You might include copies of your resume, references and directions.

I do this a couple days before the interview (at least the materials part), just to make sure I have everything I need. If I don't, I then get it and add it to my "pile" of stuff to take with me. I like having everything together at least a day in advance so I can concentrate on the interview itself -- instead of worrying about whether or not I have this or that.

Make sure you eat before the interview. You don't need to have a huge meal. In fact, a heavy meal or one loaded with carbs can make you feel sluggish and lethargic. But a light meal or snack will ensure that your stomach doesn't start rumbling loudly just as you're about to discuss your most brilliant accomplishment.

I ALWAYS eat before an interview -- and usually eat a pretty good breakfast. I do this because I want the energy needed for the day, I don't want a grumbling stomach, and I know I'll probably eat lightly at lunch. A few more related tips:

• Don't eat food that will give you bad breath (onions, garlic, etc.).

• Be sure you brush your teeth before the interview.

• Carry "breakfast bars" or other small snacks with you. If your stomach does start to growl, hit the restroom between interviews and pop in some food to calm the howling. (Rinse your mouth with water afterwards and check your teeth for crumbs.)

• Take gum with you. If need be, you can pop it in quickly (between interviews, in the restroom, etc.), chew it quickly to get the main burst of flavor out, then toss it. It should freshen your breath immediately.

The day of the big interview is not the time to try out a new shortcut or investigate an unfamiliar area. Make sure you know how to get to your interview in advance. Make a practice run the day before if necessary.

I always, always, always do this. I want to eliminate all of the small issues that could cause stress for me (like having all my stuff together -- see above) and impact my interview day negatively. That's why I make a test trip (if practical) to the actual interview site the night before the interview. I check the amount of time it takes, where I'll park, etc. Then on the actual day, I give myself a good amount of extra time to get there in case there's traffic, the parking lots are full, etc. Nothing worst than being late to an interview (followed by being stressed out wondering if you'll make it on time), so do all you can to eliminate potential roadblocks.

When it comes to interviewing, a little paranoia can be a good thing. Your interview starts in the parking lot, so be conscious of your surroundings. Any onlooker could be one of your interviewers. Act accordingly.

Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet, from the security guard to the receptionist. If you make small talk with strangers, be positive and pleasant. This isn't the time to complain about the "funny smell in the lobby" or a long wait for an elevator.

This is their best bit of advice IMO. In an interview, you are ALWAYS "on" -- from the time you get into your car until the time you get home. ANYTHING you do, say, etc. could impact your interview's outcome.

I've walked in the building before with someone who would later interview me. I didn't know it at the time, but I was sure glad I was courteous and opened the door for him. I've also had people tell me that they asked the receptionist how I treated her (I got a good report, thankfully). I've also met a later interviewer in the bathroom (coming out as I was going in.) A quick smile and a nice "hello" set me up for success later.

Just remember that you never know who is watching, how (or if) they'll contribute to your interview feedback, and so on. As such, always be polite, professional, courteous, and project the image that you're someone they'll want to work with, for or have working for them.

Comments

[Corporate Barbarian]

I agree with always being "on". One thing to add: be enthusiastic. It lets the interviewer know that you want to be there, be a part of the team, and contribute to their success. This could be a great opportunity. Show a little life.

[Mike Hunt]

Agree with the above comment. It never hurts to try and connect with each person you talk to as well. Try to listen and understand their needs. Usually when you interview you meet with potential supervisors, peers and supervisors of peers. Therefore it never hurts to have an attitude and ask, if you are successful in the interview and take the job, what can you do to make their life easier? This goes a long way to landing the job and will put you on stronger footing if you are closely matched otherwise with competing candidates.

-Mike

[chris cruz]

I'll also add: have a smile on your face. I've worked in HR and noticed that the people that have great attitudes almost always get the job. Even if they were not qualified for the position the HR manager would find them another position because she liked them so much. There are hundreds of people with the same degree, certifications, experience but your personality can really set you apart.

[Early Retirement Extreme]

Well, if little things really do matter, the employer might as well roll a die. I would call that an epic process fail for HR. I suspect the function of the interview is mainly to make sure that you did not make stuff up. That you were actually competent enough to write your own application, and that you actually did what you (or your references) say you did. Hence, if you actually are what you claimed to be from your application, I say don't sweat it. I think I have broken all of the above at one point or another, except the one about oral hygiene :-D

I read somewhere, I think it was in the politically incorrect Bell curve by Herrnstein and Murray, that the interview was one of the least significant indicators of subsequent job performance. Here they are in rough order: 1) Your IQ (it is illegal to test directly for IQ though, but a college education provides a good proxy which is why white collar employers like college education). 2) Your job history (what you have actually done). 3) Your references (what other people think you have done). 4) The interview. 5) Your "passion". I was surprised that passion was so low on the scale, but I guess passion is not required to do a good job for most jobs. GPA was also included in the list, somewhere in the upper half, number 2.5 or so.

I tend to write very detailed and I'd like to say intelligent cover letters, emails actually, which are longer than the recommended one page and then provide a link to my CV or just tell them to google my name. This has a very high success rate. Of course, I don't deal with managers or HR in my line or work---the letter goes directly to whomever I'll be working for.

[Anca]

I once had an interview three blocks from my apartment and unknowingly walked most of the way there and then rode in the elevator with one of the interviewers (it was right after lunchtime). I didn't give her any reason to think poorly of me. :)