It’s Interview Time: How Early Is Too Early?
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been coaching individuals on their presentation skills and job interviewing skills along with helping people refresh their résumés. So, the next few weeks we’ll be using this blog space to highlight my top interviewing tips and answer the questions my clients most frequently ask me.
The first question is: “How soon should I arrive at the interview location?”
Answer: Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled interview, but don’t go in until five minutes before your appointment. Never be late for an interview. However, you don’t want to show up 20 minutes beforehand and appear to be too much of an “eager beaver.”
Once you are in the waiting area, introduce yourself to the receptionist and others in the front office. Engage in thoughtful conversation, but be mindful of keeping them from their work.
Bonus tip: Stay off your cell phone for the few minutes you are in the reception area. Rather, pick up any magazines on the coffee table. I’ll never forget my first interview. I was intentionally left waiting, and the receptionist was watching to report what I did with my time while I was waiting. Unbeknownst to me, they had laid out several magazines to see which one I would pick up first. The choice was between People magazine and an industry-specific journal. Who knew it was a test?
(And in case you’re wondering, you definitely want to read the industry-specific publication.)
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
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Photo by Michael Browning on Unsplash
