Summer Interviewing
Some of you have already been on interviews on days where the temperature is in the 90’s. Because it is hot, you may be willing to succumb to the “lazy gene” that goes off in your head on days like that. You know the one that says, “It’s too hot. No one wants to interview.”
It is hot AND a lot of people will believe that message and the one that says hiring stops during the summer and wait until September to interview. Your competition will diminish and there will be a clearer path to your next job.
During the summer, arrive at your destination a few minutes early to do a few things. The first is to cool off. Heat can be a huge distraction and waiting in the lobby to cool off can help you start focused, rather than wiping sweat from your brow. I will also tell you that it is not fun to shake hands with someone with sweaty palms!
Carry your suit jacket with you, rather than wear it. From experience, I am aware of some pretty funky smells that people can generate when they wear their jacket during the summer! Implied in this tip is to always have a professional appearance. As always, stick to classic styles unless you are interviewing in the fashion industry.
Check your hair and general appearance. That split second of first meeting will cause a reaction in someone. Make it a positive (first choice) or neutral one (second choice), rather than a negative one.
If you wear glasses that change appearance with the lighting, get them to be clear, rather than have them change tint during the interview.
Jeff Altman , The Big Game Hunter
jeffaltman@cisny.com
© 2006 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm,. He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff since 1971. He is also a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
If you would like to subscribe to Headhunt Your Own Job, Jeff Altman’s free job search ezine, go to http://www.jeffaltman.com. While you’re there, you can read other job hunting or hiring advice, search available technical and non-technical positions and sign up to receive a daily digest of positions we’re recruiting for.
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff or obtaining consultants, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, please include your resume).
