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Interview Small Details Matter

Small Details Matter

Why Paying Attention to the Little Things Can Make or Break Your Interview

Part 2

By Sami Bsoul

 

Remember, even the most experienced surgeon can still be surprised by a new operation. Likewise, your interviewer or future employer, who may have conducted hundreds of interviews, can still be impressed by your attitude and answers.

Be prepared and be an individual with the spirit of a team player.

During a job interview, you may answer all the questions well, but the devil is in the details.

Another topic I want to discuss in this article, before I start with the questions, is what I call it "small details." These details are important elements that can make an impact on each review.

All the details mentioned below should be considered to prevent being annoyed by small things.

Let me show you how to take advantage of every small detail and turn it into an opportunity to win the interview like a boss (Similar tips for online interview, here).

From the moment you arrive at the interview, starting from the reception of your future company to the very first handshake with your interviewer, and to the escort to the interview room, there are tons of 

details that can earn you plus points.

It is recommended to arrive at the interview ten to fifteen minutes before it starts. In respect to that, I suggest arriving thirty minutes before the meeting starts. If you do not know the location of the company, explore the building location and get familiar with each detail if possible.

If you know the location of the company in advance, you can avoid the rush and stress of looking for the location or where to park your car, for example.

Upon arrival in the office a few minutes before the interview, use the time to go to the restroom, look in the mirror, wash your face, and freshen up if needed.

Announce your arrival at the reception. They are expecting you.

Most likely, you will be asked to wait for someone to come and pick you up.

Wait patiently. If you are requested to wait at the reception, use this time to ensure that your mobile phone is muted.

While waiting, look on the table at the reception. You may find a magazine or a book about the company that you didn't see anywhere else on the web. You may learn some new facts about the company, which can help you during the interview.

Many companies have posters at the reception. Is it okay to read them, and how can it benefit you during the interview?

Yes, for sure it is okay to read the posters at the reception, and it can benefit you during the interview. If you notice any company strategy posters or announcements, you can use that information to ask intelligent questions during the interview.

For example, you can ask about the employee of the month program if you saw a poster about it. However, it's important to remember not to move around the office without an escort, as that could be considered a breach of company rules.

For this reason, let's assume you have noticed the company's strategic posture at the reception, or you have seen an announcement. This can be a good opportunity to ask a question during the interview. You may say, "I noticed that you had a great announcement about the employee of the month. This is very interesting. Can you please tell me more about this program?"

Your future employer or interviewer would be more than glad to explain it to you.

You might not have the opportunity to see or notice all of these small details, but if you do, you will know when and how to use them wisely.

Note that many companies send their Team Leaders to interview candidates rather than the manager. This is a good indication, because Team Leaders are usually the most informed and knowledgeable about the team and the job. They are the people with whom you will be in touch for eight hours daily, or even more, and are the ones with whom you will communicate the most.

When your interviewers come to pick you up from the reception, they will introduce themselves. Even if they mention your name when they approach you, stand up from your seat, introduce yourself, say your name clearly, and give a firm handshake.

Try to keep an arm's length of distance between you.

Please do not have your free hand in your pocket while shaking hands with your interviewer as it is disrespectful.

You are now being escorted to the interview room. You can get closer to the interviewer, but not so close that it makes either of you uncomfortable.

You should notice your interviewer's own comfort zone and adjust your steps accordingly.

If they keep changing their standing distance, it means you are approaching them too much. Experienced interviewers will try as much as they can to walk alongside you. If your interviewer is not experienced and asks you to follow them, there is nothing you can do about it.

I have seen many situations where interviewers are marching fast through the hall, and applicants are running after them, which always looks awkward in the hustle and bustle of the office.

While you are walking to the interview room, your interviewer will most likely exchange a few words with you. It can be about anything that is not related to the job interview yet.

You don't want to be too silent, but you also don't want to appear too talkative. It's best to reply in a decent manner.

If the distance from the reception to the interview room is significant and your interviewer escorts you for that long, try to walk side by side, facing the same direction.

When using the elevator, try not to stand face to face with your interviewer in the crowded space. If you're both shoulder to shoulder, it's not considered an invasion of personal space.

When you enter the room, the interviewer will likely let you enter first. Take a few steps inside and turn around to ask politely where you should sit. If the seat is not predetermined, don't be shy to ask. It's better to ask than to rush and sit in the wrong place.

If there are other interviewers in the room, approach them and shake hands if they haven't already done so. If you have the freedom to choose where to sit around the table, it's best to choose the middle seat. This will give you the best view of everyone around the table, and you won't be too far away if you sit at the corner.

Ensure that you sit up straight and adjust your seat height so that you are not sitting too high or too low in comparison to your interviewer. Adjust the back of the chair so that both your upper and lower back are supported. If the chair has armrests, adjust them if possible.

While you want to feel relaxed, you do not want to sit in a leisurely manner. If you were asked to bring any documentation, certificates, or a notebook, put them aside if possible. If not, place them on the table but avoid putting them directly in front of you and your interviewers as this could create a psychological barrier. Keep everything closed until you are asked to present it.

Your future manager or team leader knows the business in much more detail than you do. They will be particularly interested in learning more about your experience and knowledge.

They will ask precise questions and also theoretical and hypothetical questions to see how you would behave in possible circumstances.

They want to see the skills you will bring to the team and to the company and how you would eliminate and solve future issues.

Your future manager or team lead knows exactly what team member they are looking for based on the job requirements. In most cases, they will want to check if you can see things in a more extensive context and assess your core reasoning. Besides examining if you meet all the criteria, they will also evaluate your attitude.

Witty language or combining clever conceptions and facetious expression and sarcasm do not belong in an interview. Instead of sarcasm, you should process the information in a positive tone and reply or comment respectfully. Otherwise, the interviewers might take sarcasm personally and get offended. Therefore, instead of telling jokes or humorous remarks, it is better to reply in a formal way and without trivialities

Note 1: When preparing for a job interview, it is important to pay attention to the details of your physical presentation and behaviour. Sitting straight, adjusting the chair and armrests to provide support, and keeping any materials off to the side can help you project confidence and professionalism. It is also important to speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and avoid any sarcastic or facetious remarks, as these can be interpreted negatively by the interviewer.

Note 2: In addition to your physical presentation, it is important to prepare for the types of questions you may be asked during the interview. Hiring managers and team leaders are likely to ask both specific and hypothetical questions to assess your knowledge and problem-solving skills. It is important to answer these questions thoughtfully and honestly, while also showcasing your strengths and relevant experience. Your attitude and approach to problem-solving can also be an important factor in the hiring decision, so be sure to project a positive and solution-oriented mindset.

Note 3: Ultimately, the goal of a job interview is to demonstrate your qualifications, experience, and fit for the position and company. By paying attention to your physical presentation, preparing thoughtful responses to questions, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process. Remember to approach the interview with confidence and professionalism, and always aim to showcase your skills and abilities in the best possible light.

 

Continue reading here: Gather Your Plus Points During The Interview

© Samibsoul.com 2023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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