First Impressions at the Front Desk
This is a guest blog written by one of my best friends for more than a decade, Chris Wallace. He is a natural networker. Friends at Syracuse jokingly called him the "mayor." I'm fortunate to be working on an entrepreneurial pursuit with Chris right now, but even more lucky to have him as a close friend.
Guest Blog by Chris Wallace
A job interview starts the moment you walk in the door. Most people accept that this is true, but do not always realize how much the first few moments in an office can affect your chances of being hired.
Recently, I was on a trip in the Midwest for a series of sales meetings with clients. I was early for one of my appointments and settled into the waiting area when the receptionist struck up a conversation. She asked where I was from, started telling me about her family, her 26 years with the company and how there is no loyalty left in the world. Finally, she asked me what position I was interviewing for and who I would be seeing during my visit. I explained that I was not an interview candidate and that her company was a client of mine.
The receptionist proceeded to divulge how the company has made her an integral part of the employee screening process. When candidates arrive she strikes up a conversation and tries to catch glimpses into their personality and character. Following the candidate's interview, the hiring managers ask for her impression of their demeanor and how the person would fit within the office. Most candidates never had any clue that their interview started the minute they signed their name on the guest log.
While I will not argue that you can secure a job offer by sweet talking the front desk attendant, I do caution that this person can prevent you from getting that offer if you are not prepared. A company can learn a lot about a person by the way they treat a receptionist, a mailroom clerk or the person who refills the water cooler. If your attitude is condescending or overly confident, it can be a red flag that you are not a team player or might be unwilling to perform certain tasks.
The key to passing this part of the test is awareness. Companies are not only evaluating you on your skills, but also how you will fit into their distinct culture. If you are attentive and pleasant to each person you encounter during the interview process you will make an impression on the entire group, not just on the hiring manager or department staff.
You must also make sure that these encounters are genuine. If you are "turning on the charm" just to score points you will be as transparent as the flimsy plastic guest badge clipped to your suit jacket. Be yourself, be courteous and be prepared that every minute you are in that office might be evaluated.
Curious about my own performance, I asked the receptionist if I met her standard. Her reply..."The jury's still out."
Here is a great song from the 1980's by Rockwell to underscore the point that "everybody's watching" you.
Guest Blog by Chris Wallace
A job interview starts the moment you walk in the door. Most people accept that this is true, but do not always realize how much the first few moments in an office can affect your chances of being hired.
Recently, I was on a trip in the Midwest for a series of sales meetings with clients. I was early for one of my appointments and settled into the waiting area when the receptionist struck up a conversation. She asked where I was from, started telling me about her family, her 26 years with the company and how there is no loyalty left in the world. Finally, she asked me what position I was interviewing for and who I would be seeing during my visit. I explained that I was not an interview candidate and that her company was a client of mine.
The receptionist proceeded to divulge how the company has made her an integral part of the employee screening process. When candidates arrive she strikes up a conversation and tries to catch glimpses into their personality and character. Following the candidate's interview, the hiring managers ask for her impression of their demeanor and how the person would fit within the office. Most candidates never had any clue that their interview started the minute they signed their name on the guest log.
While I will not argue that you can secure a job offer by sweet talking the front desk attendant, I do caution that this person can prevent you from getting that offer if you are not prepared. A company can learn a lot about a person by the way they treat a receptionist, a mailroom clerk or the person who refills the water cooler. If your attitude is condescending or overly confident, it can be a red flag that you are not a team player or might be unwilling to perform certain tasks.
The key to passing this part of the test is awareness. Companies are not only evaluating you on your skills, but also how you will fit into their distinct culture. If you are attentive and pleasant to each person you encounter during the interview process you will make an impression on the entire group, not just on the hiring manager or department staff.
You must also make sure that these encounters are genuine. If you are "turning on the charm" just to score points you will be as transparent as the flimsy plastic guest badge clipped to your suit jacket. Be yourself, be courteous and be prepared that every minute you are in that office might be evaluated.
Curious about my own performance, I asked the receptionist if I met her standard. Her reply..."The jury's still out."
Here is a great song from the 1980's by Rockwell to underscore the point that "everybody's watching" you.
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