Forgotten Elements of the Before’s and After's Surrounding a Job Interview...Bet you never thought of these!

There is a plethora of information written regarding the importance of first impressions and the resulting spot-judgement made by the hiring manager.  

One topic that may not be as widely written about are the judgments made during encounters both before and after the actual interview, with persons in various departments within the organization.

Companies will be investing a lot of money in the chosen candidate (training, potential relocation etc.) so there will be many eyes on you assisting in determining whether you are the right fit for the company.  The following tips will help you make the best all-around first impression to everyone whose path you may cross.  You never know if an organizational "spy" is watching you!

Element One: Large companies many times have travel departments that arrange your flights and housing for your interview whether you are coming from out of town or internationally.  These travel partners may receive only a memo containing your name, phone number, address and email.  It is critical that this information be accurate so the travel department can contact you in a timely manner.  There is nothing that will frustrate these people more than when your voicemail hasn't been set up yet and they have no other alternate contact number.  During the job search, set up your voicemail!

If your assigned travel partner emails you, respond quickly, in full sentences, no slang or socially accepted abbreviations and above all, politely.  Also, if you have unreasonable restrictions or requests regarding your hotel room or flights, these very patient travel partners they may perceive you as inflexible and discuss these demands with the hiring manager.  And by all means do not oversleep and miss your flight!  This happens and those candidates now already have one strike against them.  And this is one big strike!

Element Two: Many large company home offices are housed in very large buildings with acres of parking lots or garages.  Some of these parking facilities may be quite a walk from the actual office you will be reporting to so be sure to get there early in case you have trouble parking or have to walk to the actual building.   Due to their building security purposes, there may be a guard at the entrance.  Sometimes the guard may have a list of all expected visitors so be polite and unhurried with this person.  He may be asked later for his impression of you.

Some organizations may choose to have an escort meet you in the parking garage and walk with you to your assigned area. Treat this person as an interviewer because this person may have been given questions by the hiring manager to casually ask you.  When you’ve left, your responses will be reported.

Element Three: When in the lobby or elevator, never speak on the phone. You do not know if a future coworker or the CEO is standing within earshot of you as you "throw shade" all over the coffee barista for not getting your overly complicated latte order wrong.  Don't be that person people roll their eyes listening too.  In fact, don't even take the phone in and if you do, turn it off and put it away until you return to your car.  

Element Four: When you reach the administrative person, who will be "handling" you, use your "Sunday manners".  You may be offered coffee or a bottle of water.  It may be a small thing but take the water.  Nerves and movement may cause a coffee spill on your clothes as well as coffee breath!  Water has a cap on it to prevent spills and can be taken into the actual interview.  The water can also provide a moment of thought or a pause in the conversation as you take a sip to collect yourself and think about your response.

Element Five: As you wait in the reception area you may be alone or with other candidates.  Sit up straight and occupy the time with non-distracting actions. Take this time to read over your notes about the company, think about your branding statement or the stories you may relate during the interview.  Organize your papers to have your résumé handy if asked for it.  Try to relax, take deep breaths, meditate or say a prayer.  

As you sit waiting, remind yourself to control any unconscious fidgeting.  I read a story about a hiring manager who had to pass through the reception area to get to the interview room.  Sitting in the reception area were three candidates. Two were sitting, reading their files.  The third was a young lady who was examining her split ends, pulling them out of her hair and tossing them onto the floor.  She was totally unaware of this habit or that she was being observed by the receptionist, the other candidates and the hiring manager!  She did not get the job.  

Element Six: After your interview is complete, maintain your composure whether you felt positive or negatively about the interview.  Thank the receptionist on the way out of the office.  If there is an escort to bring you back to the parking area, be careful with your conversation.  What you say can still be held against you.

These may be periphery details regarding first impressions in a job interview but they are very important to the fact that many eyes will be observing you, judging you on all aspects of your behavior both before and after the actual interview.  Always put your best foot forward with everyone you encounter.   Organizational "spies" can be anywhere.   

It indeed may take a village to decide who will receive the precious, golden ticket!