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On paper, he seemed like the ideal candidate for the job. Highly educated, keen as mustard, a great resume. So, I invited him to interview at 11am one Friday. The appointed time came and went. Then at 11.10am my secretary rang through to tell me he had arrived. I told her to send him in. I wish I had not bothered. He was unshaven, had long, scruffy hair, was wearing a tee shirt and jeans. When I said good morning Mr Adams, his reply was a gruff Hi. There was no apology, so I asked him why he was late. He mumbled something about the train being late. When I asked why he had not called, he said someone had stolen his cell phone. I could have accepted that, except ten minutes into the interview it went off and, would you believe it, he actually answered it and told the caller to ring back in half an hour because he was busy.

That is a true story. Few interviews are likely to get off to such a bad start. They say first impressions are lasting impressions. He immediately created a negative impression. So you can probably see why I did not give him the job. Here are a few tips on what not to do and what you should do at an interview.

APPEARANCE.
Make sure you look smart. Scruffy clothes, disheveled hair, unkempt facial hair, unpolished shoes, too much make up all create the wrong impression.

PUNCTUALITY.
Make sure you arrive on time. If you run puffing and panting into an interview five minutes late, it would appear you are a poor timekeeper who has failed to plan properly to allow yourself enough time to arrive before the appointed interview time.

RESEARCH.
If you are asked how much you know about the company you want to work for, you will not tick many of the boxes if you say you know nothing. Show the interviewer that you have done your research. Tell him what a good website his company has. Maybe speak to someone who works for the company before the interview if that is possible.

KNOW THE INTERVIEWER.
You should know the name and position of the interviewer beforehand. When he says good morning to you, do not mumble hi back to him. Call him by his name and say good morning politely.

RESPECT.
Do not be over pally and do not be too serious. It is alright to be friendly and to smile. But show respect. The person interviewing you is not your friend. He is someone who holds the key to your future. Do not go into the interview chewing gum. Speak clearly. Finish your sentences. Do not mumble. If you make a mistake, apologize and set the record straight. Nobody is perfect.

CELLPHONE.
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