Ellen Gordon Reeves
Author
Sticky Interview Situations
Got a special interview-related concern? These expert Q&As will set you up for success.
Q: The interviewer’s assistant asked me to join a group for lunch or drinks. Should I go?
A: Sure, but don’t let your guard down for a minute. You are still being interviewed, even if you don’t think you are, and even if your potential colleagues aren’t explicitly inviting you for this purpose.
Q: What if I have to go to the bathroom during an interview?
A: You should not have this urge in the middle of an interview because you should have gone beforehand. But, if something happens and you have to go, excuse yourself politely. If you feel faint or sick, excuse yourself and get out.
Q: It’s the day of my interview and I feel/look sick. What do I do?
A: If it’s something visible like a red eye or a rash, do your best to cover whatever you can or try to reschedule. Same goes if you’re sick and can’t present yourself well or risk infecting others. Call the morning of and explain briefly, but say no more than you need to. If it’s something the interviewer is bound to notice, offer a brief, factual explanation when you walk in and move on.
Q: What if I’m coming from somewhere else before the interview?
A: Do not show up with things you need before or after the interview: shopping bags, sports equipment, your groceries, or anything else non-interview-related. Schedule the interview when you can arrive unencumbered.
Interview Locales
August 2010
We all know the basics of interviewing, but who knew where you have the interview also impacts how you should act? Be prepared, no matter the location with these helpful guidelines and you’ll ensure a smooth and successful presentation of your best self!
In a Restaurant
Interviews over meals can be tricky. They may take place to save the interviewer time, but they’re also tests in and of themselves—that’s why it’s important that you follow the basic rules of etiquette and showcase your social skills.
Don’t order the most expensive thing on the menu, and don’t order an appetizer and dessert if the interviewer doesn’t—follow his lead.
Do not ask for a doggie bag or make special demands unless you truly have special health concerns that don’t allow you to eat anything on the menu as is.
Order no finger food, nothing that requires dipping, and nothing that’s messy (buffalo wings or linguine, for example). And don’t drink—even if they do.
If the interviewer proposed a lunch interview and suggested the place, he’s taking you out. Don’t offer to pay—what would normally be a polite offer will in this context just create an awkward moment.
In a Group
If you’re one of several interviewees, you’ll want to draw attention to yourself, without looking domineering or egocentric.
Invite participation from others and link to what others have said and give them credit for it. “Well, I think Rob makes an interesting point. What I would add is…”
Do not be the person always answering the question or taking control of the conversation. Acknowledge the other candidates.
If you’re alone with many interviewers, try not to be intimidated. Think of it as having five perspectives on the job.
Shake each person’s hand when you enter the room. If people are entering a room you’re already in, stand and shake their hands.
Vary your focus so that you spend time making eye contact with everyone. Don’t make the mistake of focusing only on the person with the most power; the others are clearly there for a reason.
At the end, try to get a card from each person in the room and send a thank-you note to each interviewer.
At a Job Fair
They may be brief, but interviews do take place at job and career fairs. Career fairs can be useful but don’t blow them out of proportion—they’re only one small part of your networking strategy.
Don’t linger at one booth or be a booth hog. If there’s a line of people waiting but you have more questions, ask whether the representative has time to talk at the end, or simply ask for an informational interview at a later date.
Be prepared for on-the-spot interviews, but don’t assume the representative has time for an in-depth conversation. Express your interest, offer your resume, ask pertinent questions, and move on.
Be flexible. Depending on the company, a booth may be staffed by an HR person, a recruiter, or a peer in an entry-level position. Always present your ‘best self’, and vary your approach based on the person.
Over the Phone
Anytime someone calls from a company to which you have applied, you’re essentially having an interview. Be polite and professional at all times. If the interview is scheduled for a specific time, prepare for it:
If your cell phone service is likely to cut in and out, arrange access to a landline. Under no circumstances should you ever put the interviewer on hold—make sure you’re in a quiet place where there will be no interruptions.
Dress for the call. Talking in your pajamas may lull you into an overly relaxed frame of mind. If you feel professional, you’ll sound it.
Do not multitask—focus on listening to the interviewer and preparing your answers.
After the call, send a thank-you note—even though it was via phone this was still an interview.
Adapted from 'Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?' by Ellen Gordon Reeves, Workman Publishing, www.caniwearmynosering.com.