You've Got the Job Interview. Now What?

From hundreds of resumes, they selected yours.  The interview is scheduled. How will you distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants? 

Follow these primo pointers:

• Shower & brush your teeth.
• Don't chew gum.
• Leave your water bottle in the car.
• Don't wear anything too low-cut, too short, too tight, too peek-a-boo; no message t-shirts, holey jeans, slippers, pj bottoms, wife-beaters, wrinkled pants, flip-flops.
• Remove sunglasses, nose rings, loud bangles, & hats.
• Arrive on time.  No excuses.
• Greet the receptionist.
• Turn off your cell phone.
• Avoid slang terms. (no problem, yeah, cool, I'm good, huh, um, like ah...)
• Do not complain, blame, or bad-mouth former employers.
• Sit up straight.
• Stand up to shake hands.
• Smile. (You want the job, right?)
• If you smoke, air out your clothes, & wash your hands prior to entering.
• Do not start with, "So, what are the benefits?" or When's my first raise?"
• Listen.
• Say, "Please." and "Thank you."

Competition is fierce.  Putting on your "big-boy pants" doesn't mean that you are becoming your parents, selling-out, or getting old.  There are still time-honored traditions and customs in the workplace; if followed, you will set yourself apart as a leader.

Rosalinda Randall is an Etiquette Consultant and Owner of Your Relationship Edge. She has been spreading civility throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond for over fourteen years.