Going to an Interview is like Going to the Academy Awards...

Sure, these two events seem to have nothing in common, but I’m going to point out a few ways in which they are more similar than you would think!

Part 1: Your Entrance is Key
We hear the words “fashionably late” quite often; however celebrities walk the red carpet with plenty of time to spare before the awards show actually begins. The same should be true for you- arrive at your interview about 15 minutes before it is scheduled to start. If you’ve never been there before, either drive by the day before or leave extra early in case you get lost. It may be a good idea to leave extra early even if you know where you are going because, as we all know, you cannot control the traffic. If you arrive too early, relax in your car or review your notes and sample questions.

Eyes are on celebrities from the moment they step out of their car, and the same may be true for you. Take this opportunity to focus, calm your nerves, and reflect on key experiences you may want to mention during your interview, rather than talking on your cell phone or lighting up a cigarette. Smoking before or directly after an interview is not recommended for two reasons. 1. Some companies now have policies against smoking, and even if they don’t, the employer may make judgments about you. It’s not fair, but they may make assumptions about your lifestyle, or think that if hired, you’ll be wasting company time by going on smoke breaks throughout the day. 2. You may be in a small interview room, and the smell of smoke may be overwhelming, especially to nonsmokers.

Smile!!!
Celebrities on the red carpet look so much better when they smile, and so do you! The best way to convey a positive image is to smile. The employer wants to know that without a doubt, you are excited to be there and truly interested in the opportunity to showcase yourself and learn more about the company.
We judge those celebrities that are ‘too good’ to stop and talk to the media, and instead just walk on by. Try to greet everyone you see. You never know how much input on the hiring decision the receptionist may have, or you may be surprised to realize that you passed your potential future boss on the way in- were you on your cell phone telling your best friend about how you’re going to ace the interview (or about how you are nervous because you did not prepare; or did you look him or her in the eye, smile and say hello?

On the way out…
Some recruiters even admit that they will walk a candidate to their car just to take a peek and see if it reflects the person as they spoke of themselves… did you just spend 5 minutes describing how clean and organized you are when in reality you haven’t really cleaned your car, apartment, clothes… in months?! You are still being interviewed until the moment you get back on the road- so err on the safe side.

Next- Part 2: Dress to Impress...