Second Interviews at the Corporate Office
While the actual interview sessions themselves usually take up a fraction of your two to three day interview trip, what you may not know is that from the moment you step off of the plane until you step back on, you are likely being assessed and reviewed from top to bottom to determine if you are the proper fit for the company's particular corporate environment. The following tips will ensure that you don't trip some of the 2nd interview land mines that can blow away your chances for a great career.
--Travel Attire--
Most people seek to dress as comfortably as possible when traveling by plane. As an interviewing candidate, you have to remember that while comfort has its value, the first impression you will make coming out of the terminal can have lasting effects. Remember, there will likely be a company representative that will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Wear a nice suit during your flight that you will not need to wear during your interviews. If you don't have enough suits to last you through the trip, then opt for a business casual look. Guys, make certain those shoes are polished and clean.
--Your Host--
Companies will often assign someone to serve as your host throughout the process. This person often engages you with less formality, putting you at ease with light conversation and useful insight into the days ahead. BEWARE! This person may very well be the one who makes or breaks you during this process.
While engaged in disarming and informal banter, they may be gathering not-so-relevant information on your likes and dislikes, family responsibilities, conversation selection, and lifestyle particulars. This information can then be reported back to the decision-makers for covert consideration as to whether you fit the culture. Be on guard and watch your mannerisms and conversation during these "unofficial" encounters with your host.
--Business Lunches--
Another problem for the novice interviewer is the interview lunch, which is often billed as another venue for you to let your hair down in a low-pressure, non-scrutinizing environment. But this can also be a misleading engagement. Your dining choices could be under review to determine how you would come across to others during a business meeting.
Even when you are given the option of ordering alcohol, avoid doing so. Try to stay away from messy sauce dishes that can spill onto your suit. Also, while extremely flavorful, avoid the onions and garlic.
--Hotel Room--
Even if you are normally a bit of a slob at home, be sure to keep a neat hotel room during your stay in case your host makes a visit to your temporary domicile. You wouldn't want them making the assumption that your junky and disorganized room is an indication of how your working environment will be kept. Keep your clothing hung up and shoes out of the floor. Be sure to keep any paperwork on your desk neatly organized and your entire room visually appealing.
*****
Every organization conducts their second level of interviews in a different manner, but there is no way to know if the informal engagements are in fact so, or if your host's contact with you will play into the decision making process. As long as you stay in interview mode from the flight-to-flight, you can avoid stepping into any second interview potholes.
Related Tags: resume, employment, career, job, interview, s, interviews, corporations, power lunch, business lunch
William Mitchell is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and Owner / General Manager of the Resume Clinic (http://www.theresumeclinic.com), serving clients in the United States and Canada with highly targeted and effective resume and cover letter packages since 1995.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Ideas For Finding a Nanny Job
Looking after the welfare of children is a very important job. The role of caregivers in the present - What There is to Know About a Temp Agency
A temp agency is a place were skilled office workers can go to get work. There are a number of diffe - Discovering the Many Ways a Temp Agency Can Assist in a Down Economy
When out of money and unable to find work, often times can look hopeless. However, for many who have - Careers That Require Financial Responsibility
Keeping your finances in order is important for any adult, but if you want to work in certain career - What You Need To Know About Resumes And Cover Letters
If the ways of getting employed is composed of steps, the first task would be to come up with an imp - How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Hired
In trying to get a job, the person that you are going to impress, aside from your would-be boss, wou - Tips on How to Get Hired in a Flash
Unemployment rate all over the world is undeniably huge. But, the bigger problem that professionals - Tips and Techniques on Finding a Job Quickly
There are three ways on how you can get employed at the soonest possible time- that would be, knowin - Securing Your Lifetime Starts Now
If by the time you're 30 and you still don't know what you want to do with your life, it should alre - Occupational Therapy Jobs For a Career in Nursing
Occupational therapy jobs are undertaken by individuals who are willing to engage their skills in he
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Hollow Eyes Are Not Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Many people of all ages complain of dark circles under their eyes. The phrase "dark circles under th - Career As A Hairstylist
Hairdressing is an art that involves arranging hair for aesthetic purposes, participation in formal - Life After West Point Military School
West Point exists to educate and train Cadets who are commissioned as Officers in the US Army upon G - Work Experience In Fashion - How To Get A Great Opportunity In Fashion Work
Work experience in fashion can be one of the most challenging positions to find. It's a simple equa - Tips for Job Hunting in Today's Market
In order to be competitive in today's job market, you must stand apart from the competition. Just h - Who are the EMTs
You'll find them at Denny's. At least I always do. Denny's, Coco's, Perkin's; any all-night restaura - Hiring A New Assistant?
More and more small businesses and even larger companies are turning to virtual office assista - You Too Can Start an Independent Record Label
It's no big secret, the trick of how to start a record label definitely involves some cash and most - Increased Salary with a Medical Degree: Consider the Options
Physicians are probably one of the highest paid professionals in the world. They make a lot of money - 5 Steps to Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Here are 5 steps that I went through in becoming a virtual assistant. These aren’t official by