Page 165 - Oscar Adler - Sell Yourself in Any Interview_ Use Proven Sales Techniques to Land Your Dream Job (2008)

THE INTERVIEW—BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER

receptionist doesn’t appear to be too busy, you might say
something casual and open-ended like, “This seems like a
nice place to work.” Be sure to be polite in all your interac-
tions with the receptionist, and say thank you.
Pay attention while you wait. If the receptionist has the
time and inclination to talk, use your questioning skills to
learn more about the company. But be sure you are not inter-
rupting or keeping him or her from his or her work.

Meeting Your Interviewer
Carry your briefcase or portfolio in your left hand so that you
are free to shake hands with your right. If the interviewer
does not greet you by name, introduce yourself as you shake
hands (firmly, but not aggressively). Look the interviewer
in the eye as you greet him or her, and wait to be asked to
be seated.

Making Small Talk

Small talk is just that—small, trivial, and unimportant. Small
talk can seem like an easy refuge when you are nervous
about an impending interview. That very nervousness may
cause you to get caught up in small talk and ramble uncon-
trollably. Avoid the temptation to initiate irrelevant chitchat
because you have no idea how it will be interpreted by
the interviewer. Chances are that your interviewer is busy
and would prefer to get down to business rather than
wasting time discussing the weather or knickknacks in his
or her office.
If given the opportunity to initiate the conversation, the
best way to open is with a genuine smile and a sincere thank-
you for the interviewer’s time. Try to talk about something

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