Two Principles of Interviewing That You Must Obey
There are two principles of interviewing that you must obey throughout your campaign. I say must obey because if you do not you will lose job offers and prolong your campaign. The first principle is never to turn down an interview (except for screening out obvious courtesy interviews). At the interview you may learn additional facts that make the job more attractive to you. Further, your interviewing techniques and overall performance will improve with each interview. The more time you spend interviewing, the better you will be.
The second principle is to try to get the PE to extend you a job offer, even if you do not want the job. Why? First, you can always turn an offer down after it has been made. But if you don't make an honest effort to get an offer during an interview, you usually cannot get the PE to extend the offer later. Second, if you make a practice of not trying for a job during the interview, you will be developing the wrong attitude. You will not command all the interviewing skills you need. Practice getting the PE to offer you the job. Then when you find the superior job you really want, you will have the skills you need to get the offer.
How Richard C. Got a Superior Job He Could Have Lost
Richard C. was an out of work accountant. About three weeks into his job campaign he had an outstanding interview for a job as senior accountant. In the meantime Richard was invited in for an interview with another company. It too was for a good job. Richard was so certain of being offered the first job that he considered telling company number two that he really wasn't interested.
Fortunately, Richard remembered both principles of interviewing. He went into the second interview pretending that the first interview had never taken place, and he went after the second job offer in earnest. It was a good thing that Richard did. Not only did he discover some facts that made the second offer better than the first, but the first job offer failed to materialize. Richard had an immediate backup offer that he accepted. Today, five years later, he is a vice president with company number two.
Additional Hints for Meeting with Your PE
It goes without saying that you should not be late for an interview. On the other hand, it is unwise to be too early. If you are, you may give your PE the impression that you are too eager for the position. You want the PE to know that you are enthusiastic and interested in the job. You do not want the PE to feel that you are desperate. I recommend that you arrive no more than five minutes early.
Psychologists have discovered that the most critical period of the interview is the first few minutes. It is during this time that the PE decides whether to offer you a job. The remainder of the interview merely reinforces the original decision.
If first impressions really count that much (and they do), then personal appearance is extremely important. Follow these guidelines: Always be well groomed. Dress fashionably but conservatively. Men should wear a suit and tie. Women should also wear a suit, or a conservative skirt and blouse. Do not wear frayed shirts, old shoes, or any other worn clothing. Do not wear bowties, mod watches, or sunglasses. Men's chances of being offered a position will be reduced if they have exceptionally long hair, a beard, or a crew cut unless their PE has the same.
Act relaxed, friendly, and enthusiastic. Call the interviewer by name. If you have established a first name relationship, as suggested in the TTP, call your PE by his first name. If you have not, introduce yourself thus: "Mr. Smith, I'm Jim Jones. It's good to meet you." State both your first and last name. If the PE gives his first name, you may use it during the interview.
Generally it is advantageous to get on a first name basis with your PE as soon as possible. However, some executive job hunters find this unnatural and uncomfortable. If you feel better about being more formal with the PE, do so. And whether you use first names or not, always treat the PE with respect, but not fear or awe.
In general, it is better not to smoke during the interview. If the interviewer doesn't smoke, he could take offense. If he just quit or is trying to quit, your smoking will not make for a very relaxed meeting. Finally, even if the PE smokes, he could interpret your smoking as a sign of nervousness.
As in any presentation (and an interview is a type of presentation), one key to success is your enthusiasm. You must be enthusiastic. If you are not enthusiastic about yourself, you cannot expect a PE to be very enthusiastic about you.
