WorkZone: Don't let small talk derail a job interview; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5/23/16

Steve Twedt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazett; WorkZone: Don't let small talk derail a job interview:

"Whether it’s a summer job or a career launch, job search specialist Cheryl Hyatt has a word of caution for aspiring candidates: Don’t get tripped up by small stuff or, more specifically, small talk...

First, she says, job candidates should assume the evaluation process begins the minute they drive into the parking lot. Be professional with everyone from the security guard to the executive assistant who rides with you on the elevator up to the c-suite...

Also, get familiar with the company’s culture. If it’s a workplace where everyone wears jeans and polo shirts, “You need to come in one step above what you think the company policy is.” In this case, a shirt and tie with khakis would work for men, a pantsuit, skirt or dress for women — “whatever feels most comfortable.”...

Once the formal interview begins, she said the best responses fall in the 2-4 minute range, touching on how you would handle the situation and drawing on a related personal experience...

The objective of the “small talk” phase is to avoid giving them reason to choose someone else.

“You want to make them like you for who you are and what you can bring to the institution.”"