Rule of Engagement #5: Preparing for the Interview! (Part II)

Sorry for the delay in posting this Part II of Rule of Engagement #5: Preparing for the interview!  Some of you may have an idea of how busy the unemployed can be.  I have been participating in several HR Law seminars and I have bee updated in all the changes of the changes of the changes (I am not startling!) that HR Professionals now how to accomplish for their companies.  No wonder why some think that HR Professionals will be the leaders of the future.

Anyway, let's talk about continuing our preparation for our first interview. Time, location, and what not to do before the interview.

Tip # 1 - Location
If you are not familiar with the area, it will be worth your time to drive to the place in advance to check out the location, if possible.  Let's be honest, you will be very nervous anyway, so if you can cut a little bit of the edge by knowing exactly where the interview is. The alternative is to google-map it.  Don't trust your GPS 100%. The other day mine asked me to "stay right" and all of the sudden said, "now, turn left". The problem was that there were 2 lanes on my left and many, many cars...

Tip # 2 - Time
Time is money, literally!  Please be on time, which means to be at the appointment at least 15 minutes in advance. Because you are going to be early, please introduce yourself to the receptionist or whoever greets you and tell him/her that you have an appointment with "the person" at "the time".  Let he or she know that you know that you are early and that you can wait until the appointment time.  That way they won't feel that you are imposing and that you are aware and understand the value of their time.

Tip # 3 - Don't do it! (Just in case you get an interview before my next postings-I hope you do!)
-Don't say that the time of the interview is too early or too late! Say that you have another engagement and courteously ask if some other time can be accommodated.  If not, make the arrangements. The burden of proven that you are the right person for the position is yours.
-Don't be rude to the receptionist or the greeter. Sometimes what they say about your interaction will have a lot of weight!
-Don't hurry the interviewers!
-Don't complain about your previous employers!
-Don't throw anyone under the bus!
-Don't look at your watch!
-Don't chew gum!
-Don't wear cologne or perfume!
-Don't drink massive amounts of water before the interview!
-Don't eat massive amounts of food before the interview!
-Don't ask about compensation and benefits before the interviewer has explained to you the position duties and responsibilities. And then, ask only if it is pertinent.

Do you have more Don't Do It-s? Please add then using the comment function!

Next Time: Rule of Engagement #6 - Type of Interviewers.