Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk — Or OJ

The NY Daily News posted a feature story today on Jay Horwitz, the PR guy for the Mets.  In looking back over his career with the team, Horwitz relates how he spilled an entire pitcher of orange juice on the team’s General Manager’s white tennis shorts at the time of the job interview.  D’oh!   How do you get past that one?  Well, I don’t know how he did it (the article doesn’t say), but he managed to win the guy over and secure himself a job that has lasted for more than 25 years.

Accidents like this are hard to prepare for.   There are other things you CAN do to ensure you don’t make a fool out of yourself on an interview, regardless of your qualifications.  Here are a few quick tips:

• Arrive early so you can wind down and cool off.  Nobody wants to see your pit stains or sweat dripping down your forehead when they are interviewing you.  (Remember Albert Brooks in “Broadcast News?”).
• Use a breath mint as there’s no room for “Uncle Hal”  in the interview room.  But, don’t chew gum. 
• Don’t smoke a butt before you go in for an interview.
• Leave the trash talk for later — that means no cursing.
• Don’t scream while you’re talking to the interviewer but do make sure to speak up.
• If you’re a guy and use the bathroom and it’s unisex, put the seat down when you’re done! 
• Turn off your cell phone.
• Make sure your palms are dry and you use a firm, confident handshake.
• Bring a copy of your resume.
• Ask questions.

Carpe diem…