There was once a time when your only companions in an interview were a resume and a briefcase or purse.
This was a simpler time, when tablets, smart phones, tweets, Instagram and emails were non-existent. There was no such thing as the connected generation.
Back then, it was possible, even easy, to get lost. You remember what that was like, don’t you? When your friends and family had to actually ask where you were. This was also a time when eye contact was normal, human interaction was common and social cues were easily noticed and acted upon. Your only social network was the one you built with your own smile, handshake or hug.
I’m going to relate a couple of stories below, both of which I’m quite positive are familiar to you, and lay out a few ways for you to radically change how you are perceived in the real world. Because although it can be seen as a status symbol to “be connected,” it’s not always a good thing — especially in a meeting or interview.
Story #1
Today is a good day. You sent in a resume, got through the phone screening, passed the personality test and have now been invited in to interview with the hiring manager.
Your tie is straight, your suit is pressed, your hair is cut — heck, your car is even freshly washed. You feel confident you’re the best person for the role and are ready to give the interview of your life.
But as soon as you leave the house, the problem starts to manifest.
You get in your car and check your phone to see how traffic is to the office. It’s light… good.
You get off the freeway and check your phone and make sure you’re heading the right direction. Still North… good.
You park a block away and check your phone to set a timer for the meter and make sure there are no emails from the hiring manager changing plans on you. No emails… good.
You ride the elevator to the office floor and check your Facebook wall to see who commented on your awesome post this morning about a job interview. There are 48 likes and 27 comments saying “Good luck!” and “Go get ‘em, tiger.” You’re a pretty popular guy… good.
The elevator comes to its destination, you announce your arrival to the receptionist and take your seat in the lobby. Better check Facebook again, and Twitter for safe measure. Oh, Greg got a dog. Nothing out of the ordinary… good.
The receptionist announces Mrs. Hiring Manager “will be with you shortly,” so you decide to check your phone one last time… just in case you missed something.
With your shoulders slouched, hands cradling your permanent third wheel, and halfway through the email explaining to your friends why you can’t make it to Vegas, Mrs. Hiring Manager walks out and asks you to follow her.
The two of you are in her office. She fires question after question at you, and your responses are succinct and on point. She seems to like you. She checks her phone to see what time it is and starts scanning your resume again.
What do you do next? You take out your phone to check the time, too. That’s weird; why would Sarah text you after all these weeks? You scan the text quickly, look up and notice that Mrs. Hiring Manager is looking at you… not good.
Story #2
You started a new job. You’re the fresh meat in the intern pool, or maybe you’re the newest executive coming in to clean house. Position is pretty irrelevant for this story.
It’s your first meeting, and your colleagues are gathered in the corporate conference room. The CEO begins elaborating on the most recent data from last quarter while highlighting the good with the bad.
Your eyes are glued to his presentation, riveted by his enthusiasm for what’s to come and his deep-seated passion for where your team can improve the bottom line.
You’re feverously taking notes, hoping not to miss a word.
Then you look across the conference table at Sally in accounting and think, What is she looking at? Why isn’t she paying attention? Oh, she’s looking at her phone… Well, I guess it’s okay for me to check my phone, too.
When you look up, you notice Mr. CEO is still going strong on his presentation and didn’t notice your small distraction. You start your notes up again.
Later that week, Mr. CEO asks you for the activity report you were suppose to write up for your team. When did he say that? It’s not in your notes….
The Over-Connected Generation
The above stories convey two very important cultural shifts that seem to be taking place in the workforce. The first is that we seem to be forever plugged in and addicted to whatever else is going on in the world. We are rarely in the moment of now. The second is that we’re taking advantage of this connectivity at the wrong times — specifically, when our focus should be somewhere else.
When you’re in an interview, or in your first corporate meeting — or even in your 100th team meeting — you should never, ever, be on your tech.
I understand the crack that is knowing everything about the daily lives of your entire network of colleagues, friends, family and favorite celebrity house contestant.
I’m sure it’s a matter of life and death that Jim and April broke up. Your friends might worry about you if you don’t update your Facebook status this hour. And what will Sally in accounting think if you don’t retweet her latest “I hate Monday” quote? The perils of not being connected are dangerous, with the potential for social suicide.
The thing is, always being connected is not always a good thing. (Tweet this thought.) It’s not in a meeting, and it’s most definitely not in an interview.
I want to share with you a few ways you can make a change today to stay connected without sacrificing the imagine you want to portray to a hiring manager — or any person you are with.
These are simple concepts you can use today that will help you live a better life. Start slowly by trying them out until they become habit. I promise your life will be better for it.
Focus on One Conversation at a Time
You should not be connected to anyone besides the person(s) you are with at that moment in time.
If you’re in private, feel free to take a hit of whichever social media profile you’re jonesing for. You’re in private, so do whatever you want. But if you’re on your way to an interview, or in meeting, or on a date, focus on one conversation at a time.
As soon as you are out of your car, where there is the slightest possibility of running into someone of importance, end the online connection.
Avoid Temptation
Forego bringing your gadgets into a conversation.
The best way to avoid multitasking during a conversation is to not even bring your tech with you.
I know it pains you to think of this, but I don’t know of any hiring manager that will give you a job because you took notes on an iPad instead of a pad of paper. Stick to a pen and paper to avoid unnecessary distractions.
I use my iPad many times in meetings. I know how tempting it can be to check emails while someone else is taking the lead. But if you absolutely have to have your tablet for some reason (showing an iPad presentation, your photography portfolio, your app coding skills, etc.), then use the below tip if this can’t be avoided.
Disconnect Your Devices
In an emergency, cut off your mobile Internet access.
If technology is a part of your interview, then you have to do what you have to do. But set yourself up for success by disconnecting your tech from the Internet. You can do this by simply turning off your wireless or switching it to airplane mode.
I prefer airplane mode. It prevents any emails or texts from coming in that will take your attention from where it needs to be: on the person(s) in front of you.
Use the Do-Not-Disturb Function
Your phone doesn’t want to be bothered, either.
On the iPhone, there is a function called “Do Not Disturb” within the phone settings. With it, you can set your phone so you will not receive any notifications, banners or alerts such as calls, email and text pings, alarms, etc. I’m sure there’s a setting or app for Android phones to do this as well.
Turn this on during your interview so your pocket doesn’t constantly buzz with email and Facebook notifications. A great way to be distracted is for your pocket or clutch to be buzzing every few seconds.
Why This Is Important
As a society, we pride ourselves on having the latest technology and being at the top of the social food chain. While these things may seem important, they can often send the wrong signals.
During a meeting, especially interviews, it’s rarely acceptable to talk to your network when you should be focused on your audience. It’s rude to the person you are meeting with. They expected to have your full attention, so give it to them.
Using the techniques above will help you stay focused on and connected with (only) the person who deserves your full attention.
How do you manage your technology hits throughout the day? Share in the comments!
Image: Flickr
