How to Blow the Interview Before You Say a Word

How to Blow the Interview Before You Say a WordHow to Blow the InterviewHow to Blow the Interview Before You Say a WordInterviewing is a multi-sensory experience. And if you inadvertently assault any one of the interviewers five senses sight, hearing, taste, touch, or smell you could blow the interview before it ever starts.1. SightDo not let your interviewer see You looking at your watch, You looking at your Blackberry, Your numerous unconventional piercings, Your extensive body art gallery, Your cleavage, Your bare arms (guys, please no short-sleeve shirts with a tie) Your excessive bling, or The label on the sleeve of your new suit.That label? Cut it off, along with the threads on the pockets and the back flap.2. HearingPut away your iPod and your (muted) cell phone. If you cant get through a pre-interview waiting period without music or a phone call, how will you get through the workday?3. TasteYou will probably be asked if youd like coffee or water. Its a very simple, yes-or-no question. Either answer is acceptable. My friend the HR part remembers one candidate who asked instead for a cup of hot water because she was fasting and had brought her own special teabag. She was remembered thereafter as The Teabag Lady. 4. TouchThe proverbial firm handshake is good. Anything beyond that is probably too touchy-feely for an interview. 5. SmellRepeat after me, I will strive to be unscented in my job interview. Garlic, onions, alcohol, and cigarettes are obvious no-nos before an interview. But steer clear of good smells, too. If your scent (cologne, hairspray, whatever) is strong enough to be noticed, its too strong. Then again, theres also common sense.In case you were wondering, The Teabag Lady actually did get the job. Because in the end, her preparation, her qualifications, and her personality trumped the oddity of the teabag and the oversharing about her dietary habits. In most cases, however, its easier to avoid sending up sensory red flags in the fir st place.