Five Things to Do in the First Five Minutes of an Interview

Posted by in Retail


You’re armed to the teeth for your retail management interview. You’ve got your finance, marketing or econ degree, a stratospheric GPA, recommendation letters that glow in the dark, and even some applicable experience—it’s why they called you. Now it’s crunch time. The face-to-face interview. You read somewhere that the first five minutes can sink your chances of getting the job. It’s true. Here’s why:

 

  1. It’s not about your cover letter or resume. Many job applicants think the interview is all about their fantastic cover letter or their fact-filled, impressive resume. Yes, these pieces of paper did get you on a short enough list to land the interview, but the reason they called you in for a face-to-face session is to determine if you’ll be a good fit for their business, their clients and their customers. So don’t start off by handing your resume to the interviewer unless he or she asks for it. Engage in some light conversation to break the ice. Let the interviewer guide the interview. And don’t forget to thank the interviewer for taking the time out of his or her busy schedule to see you.
     
  2. Look the part. In the Army, they call it bearing. It’s how you show you’re in command of your appearance. The authority your image projects to others. In civilian life, you need to look like you’re ready to lead, to take on the job. That means dressing a notch above the interviewer. Nothing too flashy, and everything perfectly groomed and in place. This is something your interviewer will judge you on the minute you walk into his or her office.
     
  3. Nail the introduction. Immediate and consistent eye contact is key when entering the interviewer’s office. If your eyes wander about the interviewer’s office or out the window, it’s a red flag you’re not engaged. A solid handshake is equally important (see Perfecting the Ideal Sales Handshake), followed immediately by your name, so the interviewer knows how to pronounce it—especially if it’s a tough one to get one’s tongue around.
     
  4. Take a seat and don’t fuss. When asked to take a seat, assume an alert but comfortable posture. Keep both feet on the floor (makes it easier to balance your resume and other presentation items on your lap). Keep your hands away from your face and hair. Don’t shuffle through your resume or other items. Maintain eye contact. Focus all of your attention on the employer. Consultant John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the global outplacement consultancy, advises interviewees to make interviewers feel witty, charming, and urbane. Because it makes the person feel good and the better the individual feels in your presence, the more likely you are to be making a favorable impression.
     
  5. Be real, not fake or desperate. Job search and career strategist, Tim Tyrell-Smith, creator of Tim's Strategy, advises job seekers to give interviewers the sense that you are the real person, not someone who is trying desperately to fit a certain stereotype. If you’re asked a question that forces you to admit you’re not a perfect fit, admit it and move on. Don’t create a new past for yourself. Provide long or short answers to each question, as appropriate.

 

To survive the first, crunch-time five minutes of your retail manager’s job interview, prepare, practice and prevail.

 

Image courtesy of Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Dempsene G
    Dempsene G
    Great article with good advice and tips for people needing some tips on how to make the best impression during and interview.
  • Jacqueline C
    Jacqueline C
    good ideas on interviews. I have a problem looking people in the eye, maybe that's been my problem with the interviews. Thanks
  • Sheila P
    Sheila P
    It was very helpful!
  • Katheran M
    Katheran M
    Excellent advice!
  • Sergio D
    Sergio D
    Fiddling for something or with something in your pockets are a quick turn off for me.Try practicing keeping your hands out of your pockets.
  • JAMES O
    JAMES O
    good advice.
  • Sarah S
    Sarah S
    This is all very true, this was even said to me during an interview by the interviewer. I did get the job, because they felt that I did fit in. I worked there for 10.5 years and I would still be there had they not closed their doors.
  • Liane R
    Liane R
    Very helpful article: simple and achievable things one can do during an interview. Also helps to be aware that it doesn't always boil down to qualifications and skills but how one handles themselves in situations.
  • Rhonda L
    Rhonda L
    I have found these things to be very true.  After getting interviews and being one of the last two picked and not getting the job, I started evaluating my interviewing skills and have found your article is right on about these points.
  • FUNSO J
    FUNSO J
    This is really helpful. Properly written and straight to the point.
  • Patricia H.
    Patricia H.
    thank you this is very much what the doctor ordered. at 61 years old it is very hard to even get an interview even though I have 11 years experience in the same career.
  • Dora O
    Dora O
    do we have to advice if ask if ever fired .. which is best why to explain , if do to stats   
  • James M
    James M
    I think this is a good example of what people need to think about at the beginning of any interview, job or otherwise. I've been in the job market for 40 years, and having been laid off because of budget cuts, I am trying to remember all the tricks of interviews, but this article reminded me that an interview is an interview, so whether you are meeting a client for the first time, or sitting in an interview, all five tips apply - from both sides of the table.
  • Bob J
    Bob J
    I wish my interviews where only with 1 person.  By the time you get through your presentation and to the 8th person for the day it can be tough to still be engaged, focused and still have energy to make the inteveiwer feel witty.
  • Anthony C
    Anthony C
    I agree with what was written.
  • John D
    John D
    just did all of this, by chance, and I think I'll be offered the job.
  • Whitney S
    Whitney S
    Awesome
  • Juanita P
    Juanita P
    Sounds a little like selling yourself; I would also add for an individual to ask questions& hopefully you'll have a employer who answers matter-of-factually & is patient to  be questioned.  
  • NELSON D
    NELSON D
    Thank you for your advice on face to face interview, i would like, some more information about it,thank you very much once again
  • JudyAnn H
    JudyAnn H
    Thank you for your information.  I will better prepared for my interview.  Kind regards, JudyAnn
  • Pierre A
    Pierre A
    Good advice, though I find that trying to maintain constant eye contact, though a good idea,  gets tedious, not only for the interviewer but for the interviewee.  It can become rather artificial.  If you are going to do that, try not to stare.
  • Pat N
    Pat N
    Excellent advice for both sides of the table!
  • Gloria J
    Gloria J
    very informative.
  • Cecilia B
    Cecilia B
    Good advice
  • Karen J
    Karen J
    I liked the last 4 words!  Good advice.

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