Working in the recruitment advertising business for the last few years, and certainly having some experience interviewing prior to that, I've read numerous articles, blogs and emails concerning the dos and don'ts on the interview process. In researching some ideas for this blog and revisiting this information, you have to wonder...really? I mean come on, isn't it fair to say that some of the advice that we are reminded of is, well, elementary and common sense?

As with any aspect of an occupation - whether it be babysitting to flying a stealth to singing in a vaudeville play in Disney World - there a several elements and fundamentals to being successful (whatever we deem as a success, anyway). There's the time and effort we put into the daily grind, and the reminder to not only work hard, but smart. There's working with others and establishing credibility within your division, company and competition. But always, always, as one of my old bosses used to say, 'knowing your business'. A pretty broad and simple statement, but so true nonethe-less. The key is getting there...the first step? The Interview.

Yes, the Interview. The time when, if all goes well, can be the beginning of a new endeavor. Or the end before it even starts. Anytime I'm perusing the Internet and come across one of those 'Top Eight Interview Tips To Land Your Dream Job!' (you know the kind I mean), I become intrigued if only to find out something new. But typically the top few are: Be on Time, Dress for Success, Bring Plenty of Resumes, etc. Believe me, I am in no way trying to take away any validity of those articles, but maybe for a long time I was giving too much credit to the interviewee. The last couple of years, however, I've come to the conclusion why those lists remain ever so popular - now that I've been privy to the other side of the interview process.

Working since I was 15, and having a lot of friends and colleagues that interview folks on a consistent basis, I've heard some real stories. There was the young lady that showed up 30 minutes late. To make things even more interesting she was wearing jeans and hiking boots (apparently she was on her way to a field concert). There was the gentleman, who did well during the initial interview, but taking him on a tour of the building during the second, told me there were 'Some really hot chicks that work here.' I understand that we can accidentally say or do things we regret...but whoa. Then there was the other young man who asked me to "wrap up the interview since he was late meeting his buddies for drinks". Or when, if I ask if there are any questions, I prefer not to be asked out on a date. Or what my religious and political beliefs are. And do me a favor, I certainly don't enjoy listening to anyone speaking badly of their boss when I inquire about their most recent job experience.

The list of "what not do" is long...and if you need reminders (or stories to make you laugh), just read the many articles out there on interview etiquette. I think that the folks that continue to write them, probably base their writings more on the negative experiences and incorporate those findings in an opposite light. While I've tried to keep the aforementioned a bit 'airy', never underestimate the importance of the interview process - be prepared, dress for the part, ask the proper questions, follow-up. When you begin any quest in life, if important enough, put forth the effort and time and consideration to make it worthwhile. If you want land that job (whether it be your dream, or even somewhat dream-like), be ready - ensure success with that interview. Because really, you never get another chance to make a first impression.