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Interview Advice (NOT)

or Sure-fire Ways to Blow an Interview

After graduating or changing jobs and finding an opening, it seems reasonable to make the best possible interview. Almost anything can be improved by learning from the experience of others, following protocols, and making reasonable preparation. The following brief article is by

Casey Gillespie (from www.Brianbuzz.com, November, 2000)

The Big Interview

Since the day that you were handed your diploma, you have rehearsed what you are going to say at the interview of your life to get the job you have always wanted. Finding the perfect black/navy blue suit, and having your resume on that special paper is what you have always been told are the right things to do. Then you got smart! Welcome to the wide world of freedom where resumés and stuffy suits are a thing of the past. You are an Independent and you work when and how you please, wearing those fuzzy Scooby Doo slippers that you love. Feels good doesn't it? So the part of that shackled life that still lingers around is the interviewing thing. Remember there is an upside to this - you still work for you and you are interviewing the potential client as much as they are interviewing you. It's your interview, do what you want, say what you want, and by golly, WEAR WHATEVER YOU WANT.

What To Wear

This is the age-old question that plagues most women daily. Guys have it easy -dark pants, white shirt, every tie he owns matches anything in the closet, three pairs of the same shoes ...done. No tough maneuver here. Now that you are an Independent, you should broaden your horizons -after all, you are your own boss these days and clients know that. Who really cares about making a good first impression? They should love you for you, and besides, do you really want to work for someone whose views are so superficial that they are going to judge you based solely on the ripped, slightly stained Van Halen T-shirt you are wearing? You looked good in that shirt in college, and still do. Our advice? Go for it, we know you've got to be you.

Set Your Own Time Schedule

Be late. This shows the client that he is dealing with someone of stature, someone to be reckoned with. If you are late, the client is sure to think that you are conducting some important business and because he will know you are a hot commodity, you are sure to get the project. Showing up early may prove that you are punctual, reliable, and truly interested in getting the job, but by that same token - still highly overrated. Here are a couple of things to take into consideration before scheduling an interview:

What time you like to wake up
What time your favorite talk show comes on
What time you have to walk the dog

Prioritize, it's really the only answer.

Make Anxiety-Ridden First Impressions a Thing of the Past

Remember in college when they told you that those first five minutes of an interview were the most important? "Act strong, confident, and be aware of your body language," they would tell you. In college, the only thing that you were aware of was which kind of beer you really liked, and we all know that you have moved back into those days again, and why not? Those were the good old days.

These so-called business psychology experts also said to be cautious when formulating your answers to the vague questions they ask you to try and trick you into saying something stupid. So don't disappoint them, go ahead and say something stupid. They will think it's funny. For instance, when a potential client asks you what you would do if something goes wrong while you are working on the project, just tell them that you will do what you did last time you screwed up a project -quit, and destroy the evidence.

Most Importantly - Be Yourself

This applies both during the interview and after. If you feel the need to prop your feet up on the could-be new client's desk while you are talking to him, go right ahead. He will appreciate your ability to feel comfortable with new people and think that you are going to work well with his employees while working on the project. Oh, another thing you should do is exaggerate your accomplishments. Most clients don't check references and it will make you sound better.

After you have finished the interview, just go home and wait for him to call. Sending a follow-up letter that expresses your thanks for the client's time and showing that you are still interested in the project equals butt kissing, and you gave that up a long time ago when you left the corporate world. Sure it works, but don't you have better things to do?