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Your CV has successfully found its way to the top of the pile and you have been invited to come and meet your prospective employer. All you have to do now is get through the interview and you’ll be half-way to nailing the job you want.
But, as you walk through the door and see your interviewer for the first time, your jaw drops, your heart starts pounding and all sense of professionalism and composure disappears. You feel like a nervous teenager who has a crush on a teacher.
So what do you do when you fancy the person who has your career future in their hands? Do you chance your luck regardless of the outcome? Or do you place the object of your new-found desire into the realms of pipedream fantasy and focus on landing the job?
Obviously the second option is the one to go for if you really want the role. Discard any thoughts you may have of flirting with them – if the feeling isn’t mutual (and it probably won’t be) you’ll give an extremely odd impression.
Focus on the questions being asked, and when asked if you have any keep them focussed on the role, rather than trying to find out their relationship status.
A lot of research is done into body language, and whether you’re at a job interview or a singles night, you should be aware of the key signs. Playing with your hair, nervous giggling or getting too touchy feely with your interviewer are definitely not correct behaviours.
Remember to go for a handshake at the end of the interview, rather than trying to plant your lips on them.
If you’re in a situation with more than one interviewer, make sure you give each of them equal attention – it may not be your heart-throb who makes the final decision on whether you’re the best candidate.
Many people would be prepared to sleep with their boss to get promoted. However, going out with your boss is rarely a good idea for several reasons.
It is your manager’s responsibility to appraise your performance at work, which means that there will be an unequal partnership between the two of you at some point that could affect your relationship.
And, let’s face facts - if you sleep with someone who is in a position to influence your career, you can guarantee that you will not get any credit or respect from your colleagues if they ever find out about your liaison with the boss. The comment will always be, “Well we all know why he/she got the promotion, don’t we?”
Consequently, what happens if it all goes wrong? Sitting in the same office could fill you with revulsion or regret and will more than likely lead to one of you leaving the company.
So, even if your interviewer is a dead-ringer for Cameron Diaz or Brad Pitt don’t flirt, even if they flirt with you. Be friendly and always remain business-like. After all, if you are hired then you may be seen as a push-over because your new boss knows that you have a soft-spot for them.