45 Ways to Not Blow Your Interview, Part 2: Introducing You

(Since this is “Part 2,” that means there’s a “Part 1.” If you missed it, be sure to check out Part 1: Introduction to the Introductions which covers the first seven of 45 ways to not blow your interview, before you dive into this installment.)?

OK. Are you ready for this? Deep breaths. It’s finally interview time. Let’s get started.

#8 Shake it like you mean it.

Are we meeting in person? Wow! Let’s all try to remember how that works. For me, one of the best things about the past year has been not having to deal with the often awkward ritual of shaking hands. I haven’t missed shaking hands at all. But I’ve noticed lately that we are sliding back into that habit. I mean no disrespect, but do I really want to shake hands with you? And are you comfortable shaking hands with me? Can you give me a moment so I can slather on some Purel real quick? Elbow and fist bumps seem like something from an intramural kickball game.

So, let’s all just admit that this is going to be awkward for everyone for a while. If you do have strong feelings against shaking hands, you need to own that and be clear about what you say and do if I act like an old-school car dealer and shove my hand at you. I suggest you grin and give a chuckle and say you’d prefer a fist or elbow bump. But you’ve got to make that move quickly and confidently so you don’t leave me hanging there too long. It’s all about letting me know you are very happy to be there – whether we shake hands or not.?

NOW – if you’re fine with shaking hands, then do it like you mean it. I have received some of the limpest, clamiest handshakes imaginable. The worst ones leave me worried for the person’s health. They’re awful. If you are going to shake my hand, PLEASE commit to it.

There are plenty of videos to walk you through handshaking, so I’m not going to go into detail here about what makes a good handshake. Watch one or two to make sure your understanding of a good and proper handshake aligns with the general internet consensus. And then check yourself with a trusted friend who will tell you straight up if your handshake is like being handed a raw fish filet.?

#9 Hello, my name is [your name here].

OK. This can be tricky. This might require two things happening at once if we’re meeting in person. The handshake AND the introduction.?

As we shake hands (or whatever), please tell me who you are. More often than not, I’m coming into our meeting right from another meeting. I know I’m going to an interview with someone. But there is a chance I may not remember your name. OR I may have either no clue or a very mistaken clue of how to say your name. Anything is possible when it comes to names, so this is where I need your help.?

Go ahead and say, “Hello, I’m [your name].” Give me your full name. That’s going to help me out in case there’s any question about pronunciation. And, admit it – you know if you’ve got a tricky name that people have trouble understanding or saying. So help me out here. I do want to get your name right. My last name always trips people up so I can totally empathize.

#10 Hello, my name is [your name here]: The Sequel.

Could you repeat that, please? Yeah, you’re probably going to need to repeat your name several times. If you’re meeting with more than one person, chances are darn good that they’ll arrive at slightly different times (online or in person) or might not be within earshot when you do introduce yourself to others.

Don’t feel stupid for repeating yourself. Each time you greet someone, it’s a new transaction just for that person. It demonstrates that you noticed them and care about them. It can be the very first step to initiating a connection.?

#11 And you are…?

So I know who you are. But do you know who I am? Ideally, when our meeting was set up, you were told who’d be in your interview. And if you weren’t told, then it’s OK to ask. Find out what their titles/positions are in the company. If you do this, you’ll have a jump-start on who’s who.

HOWEVER, be prepared for changes in who actually shows up for your interview. Internal meetings can go long, client work gets in the way, needs for the position and who’s involved can shift a little –?all these things and more can change up who shows up for the interview. Do not take it personally. It almost never has anything to do with you. Just be prepared for changes in whom you meet and don’t let it throw you off.?

Have we even started this interview yet?

Yeah, let’s get this thing going.

#12 Highlights ONLY, please.

Now that I’ve met you and you’ve met me, what now? Often, I ask you to tell me a bit about yourself.?

Mainly, I’m going to be interested in any pertinent education and experiences you’ve had. If we’re in person, slide me your printed resume. If we’re in Google Meets, drop a link in the chat. Yes, you’ve sent me the resume before this, but remember, I just came from another meeting and my brain is scrambled. Help me out, please. Help jog my memory. I’ll appreciate it. I’m not asking for your life history and every single thing you’ve done. Hit the highlights so we can save the bulk of the time for the good stuff: looking at examples of your work.?

Keep this beginning part of the interview to things that have influenced and led you to this job opportunity. If we’re 10 minutes into the interview and you’re still telling me about all of the organizations you were involved with in high school, then we need to move on. ?

#13 Turn the tables.

At this point, I suggest you ask me a question. Something like this: Tell me a bit more about this position, please, and about any specific skills or traits you’re looking for.

This is an important chance for you to tailor what you show me and what you tell me for the rest of the interview. We’ll talk more about that in #14. But ask for this info. Let me know that you’ve read the job posting and description, of course. But also try to find out if there’s anything in particular I’d like to see or hear. Asking me about the position will also ensure that you’re working with the latest info since that job description was posted.

#14 Be prepared. And be flexible.

How did I answer your question from #13? Try to think about what you have in your portfolio or an experience you’ve had that might address anything new I might have shared. This might mean you show something sooner in your book than you planned. Or, at the very least, help me make that connection when we get to something in your portfolio that addresses whatever I mentioned earlier. This might even result in you showing or talking about stuff you didn’t originally plan to include.

And that’s why you should bring along extra supportive materials. Be prepared. Be prepared for the unexpected – as much as you can. Being prepared and being flexible is a theme that will come up again and again.?

I know we haven’t even pulled out your portfolio yet. But be patient. We’ll get to that next, in Part 3: Showing Off – The Book, continuing with #15-24.