Cynopsis: Seven Things To Definitely Do On Interviews

Item for Cynopsis email newsletter SEVEN THINGS TO DEFINITELY DO ON INTERVIEWS

By Mark Levine Actions may not speak louder than words on a job interview, but your behavior still needs to be impeccable. What you do and how you do it needs to not just support, but also amplify your verbal pitch. A complimentary blending of words and deeds signals you’re a true professional.

Try to schedule the interview between 8 a.m. and 11:30 am, or between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. so there’s no time pressure on them to make a lunch meeting, or to get antsy about going home.

Have a parting gift ready. Write up a memo which you can leave behind that presents a series of arguments for why you are the perfect candidate for this position. Think of it as notes for the interviewer to use when pitching you to his or her superior.

Devour the morning news. You’re not just looking for stories about your profession or industry, but to be conversant with everything important that’s going on today in the world. Your insights can be a mile wide and only an inch deep: you just need to be able to say one thing intelligent about every newsworthy event.

Show up early…but not too early. Ten minutes before the time you’re scheduled to meet gives you enough time to slow your breathing and pulse and get comfortable. Cut it closer and you’ll be tense, get there earlier and you’ll appear desperate.

Move in your chair. Whenever they speak lean forward and make eye contact. When you’re asked a question requiring thought, sit back and break eye contact—but then lean forward and reestablish eye contact again when delivering your answer.

Watch your body language. Keep your arms and legs uncrossed and your hands away from your face. Smile pleasantly. No need for a Cheshire cat grin but don’t act like Mona Lisa either.

Read their body language. When they signal the meeting is over accept the decision rather than trying to extend the dialog, and, if appropriate, offer your parting gift.