In today’s competitive job market, your behavior during an interview can make or break your chances of landing that position. It’s crucial to avoid any actions that might cast a shadow over your professionalism. Here’s a cautionary tale to highlight the importance of maintaining impeccable conduct during interviews.
A Case in Point
Imagine this: A candidate calls on her way to an interview, saying she will arrive in 10-15 minutes. Instead, she shows up 40 minutes late, without offering any explanation. To make matters worse, she spends the interview scrolling through and replying to emails on her iPhone.
You might think this is the behavior of a college student. However, this candidate was an Sr. Project Manager in her 50s. My colleague was shocked that someone at this stage in their professional life would act so unprofessionally. So, let’s go over some critical points:
1. Arrive Early, But Not Too Early
Always aim to show up slightly early—5 to 10 minutes is ideal. Arriving any earlier can make the interviewer feel rushed. If you find yourself more than 10 minutes early, wait in your car until it’s closer to your appointment time. This buffer also allows for unexpected delays like missing a turn, getting stuck behind a school bus, or waiting for a long freight train.
2. Silence Your Cell Phone
Set your phone to silent or turn it off completely. Even vibration mode can be disruptive in a quiet interview setting. If you can’t resist checking your phone, leave it in the car. It's considered bad form to be seen on your phone while waiting for your interview to start.
3. Apologize for Any Delays
If an unforeseen event causes you to be late, apologize sincerely. Nothing sets a worse first impression than appearing to devalue the interviewer’s time. Being late without a valid reason can make you seem unreliable and inconsiderate.
Final Thoughts
In this challenging job market, any time you spend with a hiring manager is invaluable. Ensure you present yourself in the best possible light by adhering to these guidelines. Remember, your behavior during the interview is a direct reflection of your professionalism and reliability.
Make sure you're always on your best behavior. The stakes are too high to take any chances.
