Maybe it's just me, but I'm appalled at the number of what not to do in a job interview articles I've read in various newspapers and trade journals lately. Most of these tell outlandish tales of interviewees seemingly gone mad. The most recent appeared in the American Bar Association Law News Now, in which law school students and graduates seeking employment commit several faux pas while interviewing at law firms.
Having recently participated on an interview panel for an executive recruitment, I can attest first hand that soliciting interest in a top level position and reviewing the background of those applying for the post does not always align with a candidate's job interview performance. Frankly, I advise everyone seeking employment to first gain some experience as an interviewer. I know for me, my interview performances improved precipitously after serving on an interview panel and seeing the process from the other side.
Here is what the ABA article exposed as the worst offenses ...
Too much information
Sometimes less is more. Answering questions directly and succinctly is better than blathering on and on. First, this wastes precious interview time, and second, it provides too many opportunities
The clothes make the woman/man
I've heard of outrageous incidents of job seekers wearing flip flops, tank tops or scanty outfits. If you are seeking a job in the professional world, for gosh sake dress professionally and pay attention to details such as colors and fit. Whether you seek a blue or white collar job, get a feel for what your prospective employer considers acceptable attire by observing their workforce before your interview, then choose what to wear accordingly.
Attitude is huge
For better or for worse, we live in a what's-in-it-for-me world. However, it is stunning to me that job seekers will appear bored and unengaged during an interview process. Enthusiasm will backfill a skimpy resume in my book, and paying attention to questions during the interview process is the least you can do if you want a job.
In discussions in my professional associations, I hear a lot about workplace issues such as what to do with workers bearing tattoos and body piercings, or wearing inappropriate clothing or footwear. To be sure, there are generational differences in attire that all of us should make reasonable efforts to accommodate. However, good hygiene, good manners, and a customer service focus are baseline performance metrics that supersede age. It is difficult to commit these standards to written policies, but we can start by holding firm during job interviews to hire those who show an adherence to these norms.
After all, customer service is customer service. Whether your customers are there for pleasant reasons (perhaps to buy a pair of shoes), or for stressful reasons (such as a medical appointment or credit counseling), there is no excuse to expose them to a bad experience by subjecting them to poor, indifferent or inappropriate behavior by staff.
Before you go into a job interview with a what's-in-it-for-me attitude, think for a moment that the one interviewing you may have the same question on her mind.
Crawford is president of Justice Served, a court management and technology consulting firm working with courts and justice agencies worldwide. He is an active member of the Redwood Technology Consortium (www.redwoodtech.org) and is vice president of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce (www.eurekachamber.com).
Font Resize