Here’s a cool idea I picked up from one of my clients. Before you go for an interview, in that brief few minutes when you are cooling off in the lobby, use your smartphone to take a picture of yourself.
How do you look? Are your eyes smiling? Is there lunch in your teeth? How about your collar?
This is not just an exercise in vanity. It’s a way to check what you’re projecting and what the interviewer will see. It will give you just that little bit more confidence for that so-important first handshake.
“Smeyes” is a video industry term for smiling eyes. Apparently, if you are modeling for Sears, this is a key element of how you present. In this new world of empathy and collaboration, it’s a pretty hot item too.
You can practice smeyes at home. Stand in front of the mirror and think of something hilarious. Then force that energy up into your eyes. It’s pretty cool. You’ll be amazed at what it can do to your relationships with your partner/kids/dog.
So, check your smeyes and your fly and have a great conversation (but don’t take a picture of your fly in the lobby – that might be awkward).