Ingredients for Interviewing: Starting Points for a Successful Interview

So you've been invited to interview for the big job!  Before you start preparing for the interview itself, you'll want to make sure you don't unintentionally eliminate yourself from consideration by making a poor first impression on the interviewer.  Unfortunately, I've seen solid candidates sabotage their success in the interview process due to some simple, preventable slip-ups in the days and hours leading up to the big interview!

First impressions are tricky because a successful first impression is usually unnoticed and uneventful.  Most people don't go around saying, "that candidate is dressed professionally."  However, when a first impression misses the mark, it is always noticed and is often talked about--"That candidate is dressed sloppily ...will he dress like that when he works here? What else will he be sloppy about if he works here?"  

Here are some tips on how to increase the success of making a solid first impression, so that you and the interviewer can focus on you and your qualifications.

    Get there early!  Plan to enter the reception area for an interview 5-10 minutes before the interview time.  Earlier than that is a little too desperate, and the interviewers might still be preparing for you.  Arriving on time is cutting it too close.  Practice driving to the location before if the directions are confusing or you’re feeling unsure.  Needless to say, being late sends a horrible first impression, but most importantly, being rushed lowers your focus and distracts you from doing your best.

Dress for Success!  Professional dress for an interview is a must, regardless of the position or industry.  When the person or people interviewing you meet you for the first time, they shouldn’t notice what you’re wearing—meaning it doesn’t call their attention to it.  It’s not too flashy and certainly not revealing.  Dark, neutral-colored suits and similar professional attire are the way to go. Avoid that flashy pinstriped suit you've got in the back of your closet (for this occasion, at least)! Clothes need to be ironed and hair conservatively groomed and colored.  Be polished, not flashy or showy.  Dress conservatively and professionally so the interviewers are focused on what you’re saying, not on how you’re looking (though you know you are looking good!). This isn’t the time to strive for the “I love your outfit” compliment.


Smell Right!  Hygiene is so incredibly important.  All of the senses are at play during an interview, including the sense of smell.  You want the interviewers to remember you for what you said in the interview, not how good or bad you smelled.  "Hire him, he smells good," has never been said after an interview. Have a high quality breath mint or piece of gum immediately before the interview, but discard it before you meet the interviewers and/or receptionist.  Chewing gum or eating candy sends a loose, unpolished vibe to the interviewers. Coffee is our breath’s greatest enemy just before an interview--keep your interviewers focused on your responses to their questions rather than figuring out how to dodge your coffee breath. And don't forget the deodorant, but make it unscented or a light, clean-smelling scent.  Save the "trendy" spray deodorants for the celebration with your friends once you land the job.

    Shake Hands! Touch is another one of our senses that is utilized in the interview, and it's done through the handshake.  Take the lead on the handshake...don't wait for the interviewer to extend his/her hand.  Some of the most awkward moments in an interview I've seen involve a lack of a handshake....everyone is wondering if and who will initiate...and then no one does, and it feels weird.  This small distraction could cause the interviewers to associate this awkwardness with you....and we don't want that. Offer your hand to everyone interviewing you.  Grasp the person's hand and squeeze at a moderate firmness. Make eye contact and smile gently as you shake hands.  "(Your First and Last Name). It's nice to meet you," is a standard and safe statement to make as you shake hands. I encourage everyone to practice a handshake with friends/colleagues, so that you can get an idea of how firm you want your handshake. If your interviewer shakes your hand very softly or "limply," do your best to meet their intensity in shake, with a tiny bit more squeeze. 

Be Courteous to Everyone!  Before most interviews, you’ll be greeted initially by a receptionist or administrative assistant.  These selfless colleagues of ours are the most diligent, loyal and underappreciated workers, giving so much of themselves to support our organizations.  You’d be surprised at how disrespectful I’ve seen candidates treat them, yet once the interviewer walks in the room, they spring on the charm.  Your interview starts from the second you set foot on the interview site, and in many instances, it begins with the phone call inviting and/or scheduling you to interview. World class employers want employees who value everyone in the organization, regardless of what they do, who they are, or what they can do for you.  This is one of the easiest ways an employer can gauge a candidate’s integrity and compassion. Be kind, humble, and grateful in life, and be particularly so during all aspects of the recruitment process.

Know the Answer to the First Question!  “Tell us a little about yourself and why you want to work here.”  Nearly every interview starts off with a version of this, and yet you’d be surprised at how many people stumble all over this question.  It’s the one question you know is coming, so prepare for it.  Rehearse it with someone. 

Stay tuned to my next article on other questions you can prepare to answer!