Unconventional Interview Tips

I read so many articles that give the same common sense interview tips that it prompted me to offer a few not so obvious tips. We all know to arrive early and hopefully how to dress. But if some of the basics are still eluding you, contact me ASAP for help.

1. Don't park right in front - Sounds silly, right? To be honest, my car is constantly full of kid stuff so is not always the cleanest. I do not want that to be the first impression anyone gets of me. I try to park down the block or at the back of a lot if available. That way I can do my last minute touch-ups and prep without wondering if people are watching me from the windows.
2. Don't bring too much to your interview - I typically leave my purse and cell phone in the car. I do not want to be the bag lady coming into the office looking disheveled and fumbling through my handbag. I always carry a portfolio with extra resumes, a reference list, and questions I'd like to ask during the interview. A briefcase is acceptable as long as you are not shuffling through looking for things. You want to appear organized and well put together.
3. Mirror your interviewer - You should always try to match the energy in the room. If the interviewer(s) are smiling and laughing, relax a bit. If they are very serious, sit up a bit straighter and focus in. In addition, if the person taking you to the interview room walks fast, keep up. This is the pace of the work environment and you need to show you can hang.
4. Take the water - Typically when you come in for an interview someone will offer you a beverage. TAKE IT. If you are like me, you tend to get nervous, hot, and cotton mouth no matter how prepared you are. That's okay, it's natural. That water can be a life saver on such occasions. You can take a sip between questions while you think or when you feel like you are getting too nervous.
5. Be human - It is very easy to study and be prepared for an interview and believe me that goes a long way. However, you should also show that you are not a robot and have personality. Don't be too casual or flippant, but show that you have some interpersonal skills.
6. Ask questions - Nothing bugs me more than for a candidate not to ask any questions. We sit and talk for about an hour and nothing sparked your curiosity? That can tell a hiring manger a lot about the kind of employee you will be. Also, they should be selling the company to you as well.  

Any other tips you would like to share, comment below. Also if you have questions you want answered, please reach out to me.

Good luck on that next opportunity!