Five Things to Do in the First Five Minutes of an Interview

You’re armed to the teeth for your retail management interview. You’ve got your finance, marketing or econ degree, a stratospheric GPA, recommendation letters that glow in the dark, and even some applicable experience—it’s why they called you. Now it’s crunch time. The face-to-face interview. You read somewhere that the first five minutes can sink your chances of getting the job. It’s true. Here’s why:

1. It’s not about your cover letter or resume. Many job applicants think the interview is all about their fantastic cover letter or their fact-filled, impressive resume. Yes, these pieces of paper did get you on a short enough list to land the interview, but the reason they called you in for a face-to-face session is to determine if you’ll be a good fit for their business, their clients and their customers. So don’t start off by handing your resume to the interviewer unless he or she asks for it. Engage in some light conversation to break the ice. Let the interviewer guide the interview. And don’t forget to thank the interviewer for taking the time out of his or her busy schedule to see you.
    
2. Look the part. In the Army, they call it bearing. It’s how you show you’re in command of your appearance. The authority your image projects to others. In civilian life, you need to look like you’re ready to lead, to take on the job. That means dressing a notch above the interviewer. Nothing too flashy, and everything perfectly groomed and in place. This is something your interviewer will judge you on the minute you walk into his or her office.
    
3. Nail the introduction. Immediate and consistent eye contact is key when entering the interviewer’s office. If your eyes wander about the interviewer’s office or out the window, it’s a red flag you’re not engaged. A solid handshake is equally important (see Perfecting the Ideal Sales Handshake), followed immediately by your name, so the interviewer knows how to pronounce it—especially if it’s a tough one to get one’s tongue around.
    
4. Take a seat and don’t fuss. When asked to take a seat, assume an alert but comfortable posture. Keep both feet on the floor (makes it easier to balance your resume and other presentation items on your lap). Keep your hands away from your face and hair. Don’t shuffle through your resume or other items. Maintain eye contact. Focus all of your attention on the employer. Consultant John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the global outplacement consultancy, advises interviewees to make interviewers feel witty, charming, and urbane. Because it makes the person feel good and the better the individual feels in your presence, the more likely you are to be making a favorable impression.
    
5. Be real, not fake or desperate. Job search and career strategist, Tim Tyrell-Smith, creator of Tim's Strategy, advises job seekers to give interviewers the sense that you are the real person, not someone who is trying desperately to fit a certain stereotype. If you’re asked a question that forces you to admit you’re not a perfect fit, admit it and move on. Don’t create a new past for yourself. Provide long or short answers to each question, as appropriate.

To survive the first, crunch-time five minutes of your retail manager’s job interview, prepare, practice and prevail.

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