Conducting a Winning Interview Checklist Part 3

Arriving at the Interview

By Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias
Co-authors, Barron's The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos
www.JobSearchGuideforLatinos.com

We have prepared an eight part checklist for you to use to conduct a winning job interview. Here, we outline how to arrive at the interview prepared and ready to win the job.

ARRIVING AT THE INTERVIEW

• Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your interview.
• Go to the interview alone-you don't want the employer to think you need hand-holding.
• Find a bathroom to freshen up, and never skip this step. You'd be amazed at what the mirror reveals, just in the nick of time. Use a restroom on a different floor from your appointment, because you don't want to meet your interviewer there first.
• Use a breath mint, even if you don't think you need one.
• If you arrive more than 15 minutes before the appointment, wait standing in the lobby-it implies energy. While waiting, read awards, posters, and company information, searching for topics of conversation and check out the employees.
• Make sure you arrive at the interview floor 15 minutes early.
  • Review your notes and resume.
  • Read pertinent company literature that is available in the waiting are
  • Take a few deep breaths, relax and visualize.
  • Make sure you are not to cluttered and able to stand-up without having to fuss with your coat and personal items.
  • Turn off your cell phone.
• Realize that your interview starts the minute you arrive.
• Everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the hiring manager, will form an impression of you. To ensure the impression is positive, remember that your words and mannerisms will affect the image. Interviewers often ask for feedback from the receptionist.
• Being late is usually unacceptable. If you are running late, have the professional courtesy to call the office, you might just salvage your chance to be considered for the position.
• Read the complete checklist.

Part 1: Know Where you are Going / Prepare the Night Before

Part 2: Items to Consider Taking with You to the Interview

Part 3: Arriving at the Interview

Part 4: Establishing Rapport with the Interviewer

Part 5: Answering Interview Questions

Part 6: Asking Questions at the Interview

Part 7: Closing the Interview

Part 8: Following-up After the Interview