Managing the First Twenty Seconds of the Interviewreceptionists what they thought about you. Many man-
agers, directors, and executives rely on their assistants as
a second pair of eyes, so you’ll want them to give their
bosses a good report.Facial Expression
Let’s talk about each of these steps and why they are a part of the
almost choreographed ritual of getting down to the serious busi-
ness of interviewing. First, the smile. You may take that for grant-
ed, but check your attitude some time and see how easily and
warmly you can smile at a complete stranger. Practice smiling at
strangers on the streets or from your car. Exercise those smile
muscles so they’ll be there when you need them.
A smile is not just another facial expression. It’s a signal
to that primitive part of the brain that makes the split-second
assessment of friend or foe. It says, “I’m on your side. I will not
harm you.”
So, no matter how you may reallyfeel that day of the inter-
view, and no matter how silly it may seem to grin, smile. It will
send a message to your ownbrain of being happy and at ease, and
it will assure the interviewer’s brain that you are there to aid, not
to threaten.
Linguists and psychologists have said that 93 to 97 percent of
communication is nonverbal, and the smile is one very important
part of that communication.
What to Wear
Now that you’re wearing that beautiful, warm smile, let’s look at
the rest of what you’re wearing. Guess what? You don’t necessar-
ily have to go out and buy a $400 outfit to be dressed appropri-
ately for an interview (unless you want to, of course). Maybe all
you need to do is invest $5 in getting those dress slacks pressed
or having that attractive blazer dry cleaned.
This is not a “dress-for-success” book. It’s much more impor-
tant that you look neat, clean, polished, and pressed. I’m not
going to tell you what color or what shoes to wear. That’s up to
you. Let’s keep it simple.