by Vanessa Dennis
The Internet is chock full of tips and tricks for nailing the big interview. We’ve heard many suggestions time and time again: ask questions, be polite, make eye contact, map out the route the night before, and bring several copies of your resume. But there are a few lesser-known tips that can give you an advantage in this highly competitive job market.
1) Don’t boast about your 2,000 followers on Twitter – yet. You’re proud of accumulating such a loyal faction on Twitter, but the company you’re auditioning for may still be ironing out their social media policies. It’s important that you don’t give an interviewer the impression that your time at work may be divided between company-related tasks and Facebook. Keep social media out of the conversation unless it’s part of the job description.
2) Odors can be a powerful distraction. I’ll never forget the time that I saw a pregnant recrUIter run gagging to the bathroom during an interview with a heavy smoker. Scrub off any aftershave, lotion, or perfume before an interview. Keep breath mints close at hand for a minty boost of confidence. If you smoke or have pets, always keep your suit bagged separately in the closet.
3) Be honest. If there’s something on your background, they will find out. If you’ve gotten a DUI, had a driver’s license suspended, or something worse, chances are you’ve been punished with a violation that will stay on your record for several years. If your past could hinder your chances of securing employment, address this before going through several rounds of interviews. Give brief, honest replies to the recruiter’s questions. It’s better to answer truthfully the first time then to make a phone call later to explain why you ‘suddenly remembered’ something.
4) Never wear jeans. You’ve probably heard a different story from someone who works in a liberal industry like advertising. Even though you may be able to wear jeans and tees to work, you should never wear them to an interview, no matter how lax the company appears. Next to a strong resume, nothing is more impressive to a hiring manager than a polished, professional appearance.
5) Have fun. I know it sounds paradoxical to associate interviewing with fun, but it’s actually easy to enjoy yourself. Relax, smile, and laugh when appropriate. To take off some of the pressure, think of every interview as a blind date that could lead to a long-term relationship.
