Recruiting Gatekeepers and the Interview
Your relationship with the recruiting gatekeeper extends past the initial contact prior to your interview.
How you interact with the gatekeeper during your interview is just as important, if not more.
In the late 1990's a much-anticipated Las Vegas casino began recruiting during the construction phase.
The human resources staff was housed in a trailer just outside of the construction site.
Applicants were instructed to pick up an application at the trailer.
The applicants didn't know that the receptionist made note of how they dressed, and how they behaved while picking up their application.
If the applicant arrived in jeans, behaved unprofessionally, and skipped the basic courtesies with the staff and other applicants, they went no further in the application process.
Never forget that your interview begins the minute you step on company property (even if it is a trailer on a dusty construction site) and never underestimate the influence of the gatekeeper.
Tips for making an excellent impression when you arrive at your interview: o Arrive alone.
Do not show up with your mom, your kids, or your best friend.
Multiple people (especially kids) can be distracting to others.
Many times there is limited seating in reception areas.
Most importantly, do you really want to appear as if you can't come to an interview without your mom? o Arrive 5-10 minutes early.
As crazy as it may sound, being too early can be considered impolite.
Torn between their schedule, and being polite, the interviewer may feel obligated to rush to get you in early.
o Greet the front-desk person (the gatekeeper), state your full name and the full name of who you are there to meet.
Do not shuffle through your purse, wallet, or portfolio to find the name.
This will make you appear disorganized.
o Make small-talk, but don't share your life story.
Compliment the building or the receptionist's earrings.
Do not discuss your sick dog, or talk about your bad-hair day.
o Picnics are for parks.
Do not bring in your breakfast, coffee, or energy drink.
True story: I once had an applicant eat a full breakfast and the leave the trash behind.
o Wait patiently to be called for your interview.
Avoid fidgeting in your seat, checking your watch, or sighing heavily.
o Don't get too comfortable.
Spreading out your papers, fixing your make-up, and slouching in your seat are best saved for your living room.
o Avoid talking on your cell phone, playing games on your phone, or even texting while waiting for your interview.
o If other applicants enter the waiting area, don't shoot them death glares of intimidation, look them up and down, or hope that they trip on their way in the door.
You can do all of those things (come on, you're human, right?) just do it silently and with a smile on your face.
o When you are called in for your interview, thank the receptionist.
When you leave, thank them again.
How you interact with the gatekeeper during your interview is just as important, if not more.
In the late 1990's a much-anticipated Las Vegas casino began recruiting during the construction phase.
The human resources staff was housed in a trailer just outside of the construction site.
Applicants were instructed to pick up an application at the trailer.
The applicants didn't know that the receptionist made note of how they dressed, and how they behaved while picking up their application.
If the applicant arrived in jeans, behaved unprofessionally, and skipped the basic courtesies with the staff and other applicants, they went no further in the application process.
Never forget that your interview begins the minute you step on company property (even if it is a trailer on a dusty construction site) and never underestimate the influence of the gatekeeper.
Tips for making an excellent impression when you arrive at your interview: o Arrive alone.
Do not show up with your mom, your kids, or your best friend.
Multiple people (especially kids) can be distracting to others.
Many times there is limited seating in reception areas.
Most importantly, do you really want to appear as if you can't come to an interview without your mom? o Arrive 5-10 minutes early.
As crazy as it may sound, being too early can be considered impolite.
Torn between their schedule, and being polite, the interviewer may feel obligated to rush to get you in early.
o Greet the front-desk person (the gatekeeper), state your full name and the full name of who you are there to meet.
Do not shuffle through your purse, wallet, or portfolio to find the name.
This will make you appear disorganized.
o Make small-talk, but don't share your life story.
Compliment the building or the receptionist's earrings.
Do not discuss your sick dog, or talk about your bad-hair day.
o Picnics are for parks.
Do not bring in your breakfast, coffee, or energy drink.
True story: I once had an applicant eat a full breakfast and the leave the trash behind.
o Wait patiently to be called for your interview.
Avoid fidgeting in your seat, checking your watch, or sighing heavily.
o Don't get too comfortable.
Spreading out your papers, fixing your make-up, and slouching in your seat are best saved for your living room.
o Avoid talking on your cell phone, playing games on your phone, or even texting while waiting for your interview.
o If other applicants enter the waiting area, don't shoot them death glares of intimidation, look them up and down, or hope that they trip on their way in the door.
You can do all of those things (come on, you're human, right?) just do it silently and with a smile on your face.
o When you are called in for your interview, thank the receptionist.
When you leave, thank them again.
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