It’s spring here in Canada and if you are doing the interview circuit, you need to be prepared.
There is nothing worse than sniffling during a conversation. You try to be subtle by wiggling your nose or casually wiping your sleeve near your nose but face it: there is no substitute for a tissue. So start each day by putting one in your pocket, sleeve or bra strap.
If you have a bit of a cough or a tickle (and who doesn’t these days?), then put some lozenges or tic tacs in your pocket, purse or briefcase. You can pop one while you are waiting for your meeting to start. It will give you something to do with your hands.
Make sure you give yourself extra time before the interview but don’t hang around the reception area – that’s not cool. Plan to take a few minutes in the lobby for your body temperature to sort itself out. Your face and hands will be cold but your armpits will be working overtime. It will be better if you greet the person you are meeting with warm hands and the tell-tale half moons of nervousness will have dissipated. Take off your coat, blow your nose and wait until everything comes to room temperature. Then head upstairs to announce your presence.
Finally, no matter how much of a Tim Horton’s or Starbucks fan you are, don’t take your coffee into the meeting unless you are prepared to offer some to the other person.
Set yourself up for a great first interview: arrive early, finish your latte in the lobby and pop a tic tac.
Recruiter's Couch 