When you are sitting in that waiting room, waiting for your interview to start, it’s easy to just spend that time checking your email, fiddling with your tie, or chew on your nails. But that’s not the best use of your time because you are in a perfect location to expand your understanding of the job you are being interviewed for.
Make Sure You Are Prepared
If you were doing your homework, you have already spent some time on the company’s site looking at their mission statements, history, and other information. That’s good, because it gives you an understanding of the business you hope to be working for. It’s also a good idea to have kept up on industry news, and any recent developments that have been released. The more you know about the company, the easier it is for the next step.
Look Around And Observe
Waiting rooms have lots of clues about the company culture. The receptionist could answer a few questions, for instance, if there’s an opportunity to talk. Is this an older building? Have they been here long? You may know that from the site, but perhaps not. How about asking the receptionist if this is a typical day? Use clues from the way the room is decorated, location, noise level, etc. to learn more about this potential future of yours before you go in to the official interview. Plus, there is always the possibility that the receptionist may put in a good word about you to the hiring person. They may remember a particular conversation or something that sticks out. It pays to smile, be friendly, and chat with anyone that works there if the chance arises.
Ask Intelligent Questions
Most of the time there will be an opportunity to ask questions at your job interview. If you have done your research on the company and added to that research by observing intelligently in the waiting room, there should be some good questions on your mind. This is your chance to show your interest in being part of the company and your ability to be an asset. If you don’t have any idea what that business involves or how your skills will fit in the operation, why would this be a good job for you?
Your resume will have shown you possess the skills and experience for the job but the interview will be an assessment of your personality, how you think, and how you act. Don’t waste the time in the waiting room; use it to be fully prepared to show why you are the best choice for the opening.
