INTERVIEWING: Your Last Words: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
How
you end an interview can determine whether or not you land the job.
It can be good, bad or ugly.
Good.
Congruency reigns supreme. You've worked hard on branding yourself
before the interview and continued with your brand during the
interview, so why should you stop before you're out of eye shot or
ear shot? Even though the formal interview is over, you should
continue your professionalism as you smile, maintain eye contact and
shake hands. You should also say good bye to the receptionist (by
name) within earshot of the hiring manager. Doing this will leave a
good impression with the hiring manager and the receptionist - and
you can bet they'll talk about you after you leave. You just can't
buy
that kind of positive word-of-mouth advertising!
Bad.
Shake hands, get your coat and smile thinly (though pleasantly) at
the receptionist. She won't take offense, but she won't remember you
either. And if the receptionist doesn't remember you, she won't be
able to talk to the hiring manager about you. The hiring manager
will most likely notice a change between the professional "interview
you" and the "off the job you." Incongruence can kill
your chances.
Ugly.
After interviewing a young man (who was in my age demographic), I
shook his hand and began ushering him out. Before we got to the
waiting area, however, he inquired about the receptionist's marital
and relationship status. Ow! And he was doing well up to that
point. Unfortunately, he let his guard down before he had left the
building. And, by doing so, he revealed a side of himself that no
employer wants to see from a prospective employee.
IN THE CARAVAN: Your level of congruency determines whether your interview ends good, bad or ugly.
LATER TODAY: Last Words: Comedian Structure Is Serious Business
NEXT THURSDAY: Pre-Interview Cramming
Check out last Thursday's posts:
INTERVIEWING: Teething on Improv
INTERVIEWING: Forced Improv: Attacked by Questions From Relatives (Supplemental)
Want more Interviewing advice? Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!
Good.
Congruency reigns supreme. You've worked hard on branding yourself
before the interview and continued with your brand during the
interview, so why should you stop before you're out of eye shot or
ear shot? Even though the formal interview is over, you should
continue your professionalism as you smile, maintain eye contact and
shake hands. You should also say good bye to the receptionist (by
name) within earshot of the hiring manager. Doing this will leave a
good impression with the hiring manager and the receptionist - and
you can bet they'll talk about you after you leave. You just can't
buy
that kind of positive word-of-mouth advertising!
Bad.
Shake hands, get your coat and smile thinly (though pleasantly) at
the receptionist. She won't take offense, but she won't remember you
either. And if the receptionist doesn't remember you, she won't be
able to talk to the hiring manager about you. The hiring manager
will most likely notice a change between the professional "interview
you" and the "off the job you." Incongruence can kill
your chances.
Ugly.
After interviewing a young man (who was in my age demographic), I
shook his hand and began ushering him out. Before we got to the
waiting area, however, he inquired about the receptionist's marital
and relationship status. Ow! And he was doing well up to that
point. Unfortunately, he let his guard down before he had left the
building. And, by doing so, he revealed a side of himself that no
employer wants to see from a prospective employee.
IN THE CARAVAN: Your level of congruency determines whether your interview ends good, bad or ugly.
LATER TODAY: Last Words: Comedian Structure Is Serious Business
NEXT THURSDAY: Pre-Interview Cramming
Check out last Thursday's posts:
INTERVIEWING: Teething on Improv
INTERVIEWING: Forced Improv: Attacked by Questions From Relatives (Supplemental)
Want more Interviewing advice? Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!
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