The art of interviewing has long been compared to  dating.  And just like in dating, there are a great number of ways that one person can send the other person running in terror from the interview.

When it comes time for an individual to perform this dance, job seekers must remember that they are also conducting an interview.  For them, it’s an evaluation of how happy they’ll be in the specific job and company.

Job seekers should be aware of these 7 examples below and if heard on an interview, pack your bags and run!

7 Warning Signs To Look For On Interviews

1. The Company Is Not Financially Stable: A clear cut sign that you need to stay away. You can probably guess that moral is down as well.

2. “Don’t Worry, We Hire Everyone”: Yes, this has been said before, and no, it’s not a reason to be excited.  You want to work for a company that believes you’re the cream of the crop.  You want to work where it’s a challenge to get in!

3. High Turnover: You don’t want to work for a company that has high turnover.  It may be the nature of the beast for some industries, but it’s generally a bad sign.

4. Anything Too Personal: Someone on Twitter said that they’d never want to hear, “What does your wife look like”.  Exactly!  When a recruiter/interviewer gets a bit out of line, you can expect it’s like that throughout the organization.

5. Anything Negative About Your Supervisor: When you hear this, it’s time to excuse yourself and go to the “bathroom”.  Hit the button for your automatic start and get the hell out.

6. “We already filled this position, but I want to interview you anyway”:  This happened to my sister once and I know others that have been in this situation.  It’s really disappointing, and really shameful on the company.  If this happens, sit it out if you really feel strong about the company.  If not, then leave.

7.  ”I really don’t like it here”: If they mention anything negative about their job, then it’s time to go.

Those were just some examples of warning signs that you need to run away from the company.  What are some other examples?

From what I’ve seen in my experience, job seekers that ask thought provoking questions raise their chance of making it to the next step of the interview process.  Trust me… it’s science.

It makes sense though, doesn’t it?  When job seekers push the recruiter/interviewer to think hard and respond with a thoughtful answer, respect is the result.

Many of my career coaching clients have recently been asking for advice on this subject.  To make it easier on them, you, and myself, here are 50 Killer Questions for YOU to ask on interviews:

Questions About The Company

1.  Is the company financially stable?

2.  On average, how many new employees does the company hire each year?

3.  Can you tell me about the turnover rate at the company?

4.  Has the company received any major awards or recognition recently?

5.  What needs to happen for the company to be successful?

6.  What are the current and long-term goals for the company?

7.  Can you name some of the competing companies?

8.  Can you talk about the current morale at the company?  Why is it good/bad?

9.  What do you think is the future of the industry?

10.  How many people are currently employed by the company?

11.   Are any positions or functions at this company outsourced?

12.  Can you explain a typical successful employee at this company?

Questions About The Position

13.  How would you describe the responsibilities of this specific position?

14.  Are there any job tasks for this position that aren’t on the job description?

15.  What would be expected of me in the first 90 days?

16.  What would be expected of me in my first year?

17.  Would I be working with a specific or multiple product(s) that the company produces?

18.  How does this specific position fit into the company’s current and long-term plans?

19.  Who are the major internal and external customers that I would interact with?

20.  How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?

21.  Can you break down the job tasks in percentage of time spent?

22.  How much travel is expected for this position?

23.  How can I be successful in this role?

24.  What is the most important responsibility for this position?

25.  How many hours should I expect to work?  Is overtime expected?

Questions About The Manager

26.  Who would be my manager?

27.  Was my manager promoted from within the company or was he/she an external hire?

28.  Can you tell me about my supervisor’s management style?

29.  How long has the manager been in his/her current role?

30.  How many years of experience do they have in management?

31.  What are some characteristics of people that perform well under this manager?

32.  Would my manager work in the same location as I do?

Questions About The Department

33.  What are some of the other position titles in the department?

34.  What are some of the current goals for the department?

35.  Where does the department need to improve?

36.  What are some recent successes for the department?

37.  What is the departments morale like?

38.  How is communication between this department and others?

Questions About Who You’re Replacing

39.  Is this a new position?  If not, where did the previous employee in this role go?

40.  When people decide to leave this company or position on their own, what is the most reoccurring reason for their departure?

Questions About Career Path and Advancing

41.  Have any of the executives at the company worked their way up into their current role from entry level or mid-career positions?

42.  Can you tell me about potential career paths that are available to a successful employee in this role?

43.  What process is used and how often does the company measure performance?

44.  When would the company like the successful candidate to be promoted from this position?

Questions About Next Steps

45.  If I’m extended a job offer, when would the company like me to start?

46.  What are the next steps from here?

47.  When can I expect to hear back about the position?

48.  How would you like me to follow up if I don’t hear from you?

49.  Are there any other questions that I can answer for you?

50.  If you find that I’m not a fit for this role, are there other positions here that I may be better suited for?

I began writing this at 1:34 AM, but I’m certain you put that together when reading the blog post title.

A ton is happening up in my head right now.  Some of it is job search/recruiting related.  Most of it is random.  A portion is kinda like ‘holy shit, I turn 28 on Sunday’.  And the last part is just dead space in my head.

Let’s explore my thoughts…

Some Random Thoughts

I’m in a wedding this weekend and I’m really excited.  I still hate house centipedes.  Donald Glover is beyond talented, and you should think so too.  My left foot is bare, while my right foot has a black sock on.  I don’t know where my other sock is.  My birthday is on Sunday and I turn halfway to 56.  I should probably find a girl worth girlfriending sometime soon.

Found my other sock.

It was under my really creaky, really uncomfortable computer desk chair.  I used to brag about this chair.  It used to be so comfortable, but 9 months of 10+ hours per day of ass sitting has completely washed away its full cushion feeling.  Shit.

I’m hungry.  I miss metabolism.  Writing out my thoughts just makes me want brownies with ice cream.

Rather than go to a diner by myself, I’ll carry on, finish this post, and head to bed.

Bullshit Interview Questions

We can all point out painfully pointless bullshit interview question.  Examples would be asking candidates which fruit they’d be if they were a fruit or how many windows are in Manhattan.  You know what I mean, right?

I was once asked the fruit question.  I responded that I would be a banana.  Why a banana?  Because I love them.  They are delicious to me.  No, not because I’m like a banana, and once you peel the outer layer you get to see the real me.  That’s probably what they thought I meant.  If I really wanted to be smart, I would have said I’m a bunch of grapes, because I work well in a team and like people around me.  God damn, I hate that question.

Honestly, these questions just never work.  Some people may swear by them, but I’m going to judge anyone who uses them.

Thankfully, there is a way to stick it to the interviewer without being a complete asshole and losing your chance for the job.  Simply put, answer it so brilliant that it drives them nuts.  Keep bringing up information.  Don’t stop talking about it.  Drive them nuts, because if they ask you that question, you simply might want to reconsider working there.

Here’s an example of how a bullshit interview question can go wrong.  Side note, the interviewee and interviewer have a bit of a personal issue going on, but if you watch The Office, then you already know that…

Kirk Baumann is a passionate recruiting advocate preparing the next generation of talent for the career of their dreams. He’s a social media enthusiast who loves technology and how it’s connecting people in ways like never before.  Kirk currently serves as Director of Career Connections for SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) World Headquarters, working with Fortune 500 & 100 SIFE Partners companies, helping them recruit top talent for their organizations as well as working directly with students, alumni, and young professionals on career development, helping them find their dream job.

Kirk’s blog, Campus to Career, is dedicated to jobseekers of all kinds, with a particular focus on college students and preparation for their career after graduation. Kirk was named Top Job Search Blogger by Blogging4jobs.com in May 2010 and has been featured on the Job Search Secrets web show, RecruitingBlogs.com, Hire Plateau and Brazen Careerist.

You’ve done your job research.  You polished your resume, attended the career fair, applied online and followed up with the recruiter.  You may have already received a call from the recruiter to set up an interview and that interview may have gone perfectly.  You expect that they’re going to offer you the job, when the voice on the other end of the line says, “I’m pleased to inform you that you’ve moved on to the next round of interviews.”  WHAT??  They then tell you that the next interview is over lunch.  GULP.

For recruiters or hiring managers, the lunch interview gives them additional perspective and insight into the “real you”.  People can memorize GREAT answers to the toughest interview questions; having a phenomenal resume, even appearing to have excellent communication skills can only get you so far.  The lunch interview (or dinner – whatever) puts you to the test.

It’s designed for two reasons:

1. To allow the recruiter or hiring manager to get to know you on a more personal level.
2. To see how you react to situations out of your comfort zone or element.  You’re not in the office conference room with the interviewer or a panel.  You’re in a much different setting with all kinds of variables to throw you off your game.

A few tips to help you make the most of your lunch:

• Bring a notepad and something to write with – just because it’s lunch doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be taking notes
• Be polite to the host, wait staff, ANYONE you interact with at the restaurant – people are watching and listening.  I’ve even known hiring managers to arrive late and ask the staff about their interaction just to test the candidate.  NOTE: Wait for the interviewer to arrive before being seated.
• Know before you go – check the restaurant’s menu ahead of time.  Most are online these days.  If you have dietary restrictions or are watching calories, you’ll have plenty of time to pour over the menu.  Select 2-3 (just in case the restaurant doesn’t have one) choices that look good and keep them in mind when ordering.  Be prepared and KNOW what you want – this should make a good impression.
• Order something simple – the point is to land the job.  You can order the rack of ribs during your celebration dinner afterwards.  Stick to things that can be eaten easily with a knife and fork.  I’d also recommend water or other non-alcoholic beverages.  If the host orders wine, politely decline.  Now, if this interview is for a wine or spirits company, there’s a difference.  Take your cue from your host.  Just don’t order the most expensive bottle.  Stick to the middle and to one glass.

Emily Post’s Guide to Etiquette still applies today.  Check out this website for more information on which fork to use, what all the different plates are used for, and basic tips like how to pass the bread, which hand to use for your drink (yes, there is a right way) and much more.

Relax, be yourself, and don’t forget, it’s still an interview.  Now, go land that job!

Today’s guest post is from David Graziano.  David has 25 years experience as a Social Recruiting Strategist and Full Life Cycle Talent Acquisition Specialist in the Contract, Sourcing, Permanent, Staff Augmentation and Corporate Recruiting space, including extensive experience in Virtual Talent Acquisition and Web 2.0 technologies. David is available for consulting, speaking and training engagements.  Check out David’s blog, connect with him on Twitter, and friend him on Facebook.

We all know how difficult it is to secure an interview in the transactional nature of the employment market today. We also know what a rush it is to have one scheduled. I would like to share with you a strategy that will maximize your chances of succeeding on the interview.

The interviewer in asking him or herself while interviewing you:

• Do I like this person?
• What makes them tick?
• Can this person do the job?

Keeping those questions in mind here are my suggestions for what you need to do.

1.  Research the company. Not just the financial information, but where people worked before they worked at the company. Research the name(s) of the interviewers. Use LinkedIn, Google and other Social Media tools. It is amazing to me how little this done, but yet everyone discusses this all of the time.

2.  Bring your own structure to the interview. This is where the fun starts. Many interviewees I work with often tell me that the interviewer “asks the questions” during the interview. Cool, why can’t you also? An interview is a structured conversation and you will feel much less anxious about it if you participate in the structure by having prepared questions.

3.  Upon entering the office of where the interview will take place, be aware of any personal photographs, art, models (ships, cars, planes) and ask a question of interest. This is very powerful in establishing rapport and demonstrating how comfortable you are in your own skin!

Here are specific questions that you can ask your interviewer:

• What are the specific day to day tasks that I will be performing?
• What touch points, KPIs or goals are there in the first year?
• In your experience, what makes some one successful in this role?
• What specific skills or experience do you see in my background that you would like me to elaborate on?
• What specific challenges are you facing now? (This one will open the door for you to demonstrate how you can be a problem solver.)

These questions do not have to be asked in order. I have found that they are used most effectively at the appropriate time in the interview. It is very important for you to match the pace and tone of the interviewer also. If he or she has high energy, match that. If the interviewer is more somber, match that or know you do not want to work there anyway!

“Tell me about yourself?”  is a question that drives candidates crazy. My suggestion is to be very specific in your answer and to focus on one or two personal interests and then have a succinct statement about your career.

“Why do you want to work here?” is of the same ilk. This is where your research pays dividends. You will know about products and services the company provides and you can communicate your excitement about being part of a culture that provides those.

These techniques are just the beginning, but if you accept responsibility for executing and hold yourself accountable you will be surprised by the results. In closing, always dress professionally for the interview and delete all embarrassing content from any Social Media sites.

I’m currently a little exhausted, bitter from spending too much on dry cleaning, and craving a buffalo chicken wrap that will be impossible to get my hands on right now.  These issues may or may not be the reason I’m about to unload a hefty rant on the world.  Well, whatever the reason, try to enjoy.  I know I will.

Things that are currently on my shit list…

Quiet Candidates

When I call you for a phone screen, I need to hear you clearly.  To do this, you can control a few factors.  Here they are:

• Find a location where you won’t be interrupted or be heard by people that shouldn’t hear your conversation
• Call from a phone that allows me to hear you loud and clear
• Call from a location where we will not be cut off or interrupted

Let me review the above.  Don’t call me when you are around your boss or other employees.  Your whispers suck.  I hate them.  Don’t call me from your weak ass cell phone that dips in and out of service.  Clear?  OK

OK, so then we have some other things that you may or may not be able to control, but probably can work on.  Here they are:

• Speak up
• Don’t mumble
• Be assertive
• Be confident or at least sound confident

If you’re able to take care of the four items above, then you’re ahead of the game in a big way.  If another candidate has more experience and more skill than you, you might just swoop in and steal the job from them with your communication skills.  It happens.

Colorful Resumes

Resumes do not need color to stand out.  Cornz likes his resume world to shine brilliantly in black and white.  When I see a little bit of color I smirk, when I see a ton of color I cringe.  Graphics that you upload onto your resume are also a huge waste of time.  Not only do I think they are kind of lame, but they also may stop your resume from being scanned correctly into an Applicant Tracking System.

Give me black text and lots of white space for my eyes.  Thanks.

House Centipeds

Go eat an ass, house centipedes.

The house I moved into is amazing and I do love it.  Just…every now and then I see a house centipede and they are the worst.  I hate them and all of their stupid legs.  Sorry animal lovers, but I’m like John Rambo when I see one of these suckers.  My list of weapons include shoes, water, vacuums, paper towels, magazines, and news papers.  I’ll do whatever it takes to destroy them.

I hope they rot in hell with stink bugs.

You’ve interviewed at least a dozen times before.  You’ve dazzled interviewers, hiring managers, and recruiters with your charm and slick answers.  Simply put, you’re a confident son of a bitch, and you know that you’ll walk into any interview, and leave with an offer.  There’s just one problem.  Your next interview is being conducted on Skype, and you aren’t ‘walking in’ anywhere.  It’s time to welcome your interviewer, hiring manager, recruiter, and company into your own home.  How do you do it?

The key is professionalism, and remembering that in this situation, less is definitely more.  Here are things to conside:

What’s in the background?

• Your bed shouldn’t be the main focus in the background.  Neither should your bathroom.  Interviewing should never be about your personal life, so your interviewer doesn’t need to see where you sleep, or where you read the newspaper.  Got it?
• If possible, sit somewhere near a blank wall.  A white wall is best, but any will do.  If covered in wall paper, just make sure it’s not something embarrassing.
• Pictures are OK.  Just make sure it’s nothing too personal, like one of you kissing your significant other.
• A TV in the background is OK.  Off though.  Make sure it’s off.  Oprah doesn’t need to accompany you on your Marketing Communications interview.
• A chair.  Some chairs are so big that they may take up the whole background.  That’s OK too.  Don’t sit on a couch, don’t sit on a bean bag chair, and don’t sit on your friend.  Just a chair.

Is your interviewing room clean?

• Depending on your life situation, there are a number of items that could litter your floors and counters.  That list includes beer bottles, children’s toys, undies and other clothes, random pets, and food.  Make sure to tidy up and look incredibly clean – even if you’re not.
• Do you need to vacuum?  Probably not.  Don’t go nuts, just pick up the big things.

Are you the only living object in view?

• Hey, you might be 27 and living at home with your parents, but your interviewer doesn’t need to know that.  If you live at home, let your family know what’s going on, and insist that they stay on the opposite side of the house, or even on a different floor during the scheduled time of your interview.
• Maybe you have kids.  While nothing is wrong with that, get a baby sitter for an hour or two and make sure that there is no crying during the interview.
• Pets need to be out of view.  Keep your dog, cat, or ferret in a cage in another room.

Do you look the part?

• You may not need to wear a full suit, but at least a nice shirt, and possibly a tie.  Look good and feel good.
• Don’t risk it, wear nice pants too.  Something may happen that requires you to stand up.  Maybe you’ll forget something, or they’ll ask you to go get a piece of paper.  It would be awful to have to show off your beat up sweat pants or boxers during the interview.
• Groom yourself.  Go get a haircut, trim your beard, clip your finger nails…the works.

Will it be quiet?

• Silence your cell phone.  Enough said.
• Silence your land line.  You can flip the switch over and mute your landline.  If possible, keep a hand set close enough so you can check caller ID, in case you do get some sort of emergency call on your land line.
• Already talked about this, but make sure other people are pretty much no where to be found
• Put a note up on your front door that asks neighbors to refrain from ringing the door bell.  Too much?

It’s a completely different game when you bring the company to your house for the interview.  Follow the guideline up above, and let your natural suave interviewing skills take over.  You’ll do just fine, partner.

Have you ever had to interview via live video?  What was your experience?  What was in your background and your interviewers background?

I’ve never asked someone to explain to me their weaknesses on an interview.  Sorry, I just won’t do it.  I was trained to stay away from it, and I’ve been continuously reminded to avoid that useless question when conducting interviews.

Why?

Well, when most people are asked, they try to think of something negative that they can turn into a positive.  A common response is, “Well, I’m too detailed”, or “I care too much about my work”.  When answers like this come up, recruiters know it’s bullshit, but they write it down, and that question becomes completely irrelevant to the interview.  It’s a waste of space…that’s what it is.  It’s like that one chair in your high school auditorium that’s broken.  What’s it doing there?

How do you answer it?

I mean, you can simply go the cowardly path, and answer with one of the bum answers above.  It won’t hurt, but it really doesn’t help.  Or you could be creative and do the following.  Memorize the job description completely and pick something that may be a weakness of yours that’s not anywhere near the description or duties of the job.  Let’s say you know that this job won’t lead anytime soon to a manager, and you really don’t want to be a manager one day (many people have no interest in managing people).  Your answer could be, “Well, I’m not great at delegating.”.  Just keep it simple, short, and get the hell off of that broken auditorium chair.

Watch this video…it’s exactly how I feel…

Last night, the sixth #JobHuntChat proved to be wildly successful.  From 10PM to 11PM ET, the amazing chatters assaulted Twitter with over 1,400 tweets, coming from 200 contributers.  While each week has been fun, last night has definitely set the bar for future chats, and I wanted to share responses from the most popular question of the night.

@JobHuntChat – Q4: What are some interview horror stories from the recruiters or job seekers here in #JobHuntChat

Horror Stories From Recruiters/Interviewers

@LauraVezer - Q4 – I had a candidate take a call frm his wife, & 5 mins later she arrived w/burger & fries for him. “Mind if I eat this?” #jobhuntchat

@martymjm - Q4 too many I have tooo many!!! 1st one guy who fell asleep while filling out the application #JobHuntChat

@Dannuroo - Q4 I had the flatulence interview from hell #JobHuntChat

@Dannuroo - Q4 I have been offered ummm “other favours” for a job too #JobHuntChat

@sbrownehr - Q4: Horror story – asked a candidate to tell me about his most recent job – he stopped talking 24 minutes later !! Ouch ! #jobhuntchat

@caseylooney – Q4: I once had guy show up wearing shirt that said “I love insert female body part here” asking to fill out application. #JobHuntChat

@LauraVezer - Q4: Body odor so bad I had to excuse myself mid interview & put lip gloss in my nose to complete interview #jobhuntchat

@sbrownehr - Q4: Had a co-op student who had a naked picture of his girlfriend as cell phone background – he stared at it during the int. #jobhuntchat

@MsCareerGirl - Q4: Unfortunately, I had a bad experience getting hit on. I wanted to run away…It left me feeling devalued as a career woman #JobHuntChat

@radicalrecruit – Q4: I once had a candidate get so nervous he lost bowel control…that was not fun. #jobhuntchat

@lockard7 - Q4: This is gross, but the Interviewee was so nervous, he urinated in the chair. #jobhuntchat

@Blogging4Jobs - Q4: I had woman breastfeed in interview. #deadserious #jobhuntchat

@Dannuroo - Q4 had someone admit to just turning up so I would sign his social security form saying he was actively looking for work #JobHuntChat

@ChrisFleek1 – Q4: Had an interviewee start talking to herself OUTLOUD-she was giving herself a pep talk to answer the question I had asked! #jobhuntchat

@GCompass - Q4: candidate reeking of smoke / perfume when I have breathing problems, couldn’t sit through interview #jobhuntchat

@CornOnTheJob - Q4: One of my candidates told me he had a pain in his ass, and found out it was a cyst. Then said “ouch” #JobHuntChat

@martymjm - Q4 A few drunks, more than a few stinky ones, one who brought his kids INTO THE ACTUAL interview #JobHuntChat

@thenetconnector – Q4: Candidate asked me to hurry up with our interview bcause she left her child in the car WOW #jobhuntchat

@tlcolson - Q4: Candidate spoke no english and brought his mother to translate for him during interview. (Customer Service position) #jobhuntchat

@Dannuroo - Q4:  a colleague of mine asked the strengths Q and got a “I’m great in bed”

@caseylooney - Q4: I have also had a drunk applicant tell me that I could come to his house and ride his horses…. #JobHuntChat

@Le_Brenda - Q4: Candidate showed up wearing tight leggings, oversized t-shirt w/ lunch dripped down front & a Boa. #bankjob #JobHuntChat

@SeeKrisRun – Q4: Interviewed a perosn who told me that she had 29 cats & 15 dogs. Told me her cats have “Cat AIDS.” #jobhuntchat

@karla_porter -  Q4:  Me: So, tell me about yourself.. Candidate: I killed someone #JobHuntChat

@drivethruhr - Q4: Had an interview show up a few minutes late due to a DUI (alleged) on the way to the interview. #jobhuntchat

@robinschooling - Q4. The candidate w/ open fly and no undies #JobHuntChat!

@karla_porter - Q4 Me: why isn’t ur application complete? Candidate: Jumped off the bridge and lost my cell phone. #jobhuntchat

@robinschooling - Q4 the applicant filling out app (old days) who paused, put pen down and changed baby’s diaper desk #JobHuntChat!

@sbrownehr - Q4: Had a mom show up for her son to make sure it was a “nice place to work” before her son was allowed in the building. #jobhuntchat

@martymjm - Q4: Had a candidate fill out an Application as Batman, I wish I still had that app #jobhuntchat

@BillBoorman - Q4: The worst thing is interviewing somone who doesnt know why they are there or what they want #jobhuntchat

Horror Stories From Candidate/Interviewee

@MaryfKrueger - Q4: A person interviewing me told me in detail about her divorce #JobHuntChat

@WriterChanelle - Q4. One time I listened to my mother who insisted that my natural hair needed to be straight in order to get a job. #JobHuntChat

@BLKMGK01 – Q4: I got asked if it was very different coming to work for white fellas when I applied for a job. That was a bit deep… #jobhuntchat

@steve_campbell - Q4: Knowing you’re a great candidate but not being able to express it in a short interview is the worst. #jobhuntchat

@hgondo – Q4: My worst job interview was in front of a panel of people in a foreign language. I was sweating profusely by the end. #jobhuntchat

@coreycondello – Q4: I’ve gotten: “Woah, I was expecting a large Italian man with a high phone voice!” when I walked into an interview. (My name) #jobhuntchat

@hgondo - Q4: During one interview I was asked why I didn’t share his religious beliefs! It was surreal. #jobhuntchat

@SJOgborn - Q4: I once had an interviewer say “Wow, you’re tall!” Yes….yes I am…not a great talking point. #jobhuntchat

@JennSchooley - Q4: Also got splashed head to toe by speeding cars while on the way to an interview once. #jobhuntchat

@WriterChanelle - Q4: I yielded. A very humid day resulted in straight/curly hair that ended up looking very unkempt for the interview #JobHuntChat

@leannapelham - Q4: 1 resume, 10 references, 12 interviews & IQ Test to get a job counting wallpaper and dusting sauder #jobhuntchat

Some of these are absolutely hilarious, and almost sad because they have actually happened.  I want to thank everyone who participated last night, and I hope you’ll continue to join my co-moderators (@Blogging4Jobs & @MsCareerGirl) and I for future chats.

Which of the Interviewer stories were your favorite?  What about from the candidates?

Do you have suggestions for future chat questions?  Submit them here!

Last week, I went out for some drinks with a few of my cousins and we started talking about  the job search.   Somehow, the topic of dressing for success, while working from home was brought up in the conversation.  My older cousin, Steven, thinks that people should always dress like they are in the office when working from home, and argues that they will perform better because of it.   I disagreed.  While working from home, I’ve been productive and successful while wearing gym clothes.  A comfortable Corn On The Job, is a happy and successful Corn On The Job.

Naturally, the conversation got me thinking about how people dress for phone screens.

I’m sure there are plenty of studies that go against my opinion, but I wear whatever I want, or I should say, whatever I’m wearing that day for phone screens.  If a suit and tie makes me more professional, but takes away from my personality and how I really am, do I want that?  No.  I want a company to feel my personality through the phone, and let my experience and ability to talk about that experience be the resulting factor.  Will wearing long socks and uncomfortable dress shoes get me the job?  I don’t think so.

What are people saying on Twitter?

I wanted to gain the opinion of some friends on Twitter, so I popped this question:

Do you dress up for phone interviews? Does it affect your performance if you don’t? Let me hear it.

Snazzy Phone Screen Dressers

• @WhatsWithDiane – I work better from home when I’m dressed and made up. PJ’s are cool but don’t feel right after 7 a.m.
• @JennyGuerrero - I find that the closer to a face to face interview it is (including attire & surroundings) the better I perform.
• @GraceKBoyle – I always like to shower, get ready and dress nicely for phone interviews. Mentally, it makes me prepared and equipped.
• @RobinSchooling – If I didn’t I would ‘feel’ less prepared. Part of the process for me is being in the right mind-set/serious. PJs don’t cut it
• @jamesledbetter - It’s always better to dress for success even if u r the only one who sees u

Comfortable Phone Screen Dressers

• @ImSoSarah – I work best in yoga pants and a tank top. On extra fancy days – Jeans.
• @Jon_Hyland – Sweats and a t-shirt is my preferred work-from-home attire. Clothes don’t really affect my personality
• @marenhogan – No and no.
• @TrinaWardell – I’m w/ @marenhogan – no and no – provided I am prepared (research, etc) my perf is gr8 even in PJ’s! 

What do you think?.