Ask Andy!

Photo: Erica Gannett

Turn off your cell
Don’t make or take any calls. If your phone does ring or beep during an interview, look appropriately embarrassed and turn it off. Texting? Out of the question. “I had someone text-message during the interview,” Katzman says. “He was like, ‘I need to make plans with my buddy—we’re going to meet for lunch.’ [I wondered,] do you want the job?”

Do a smidge of research
At least get the basics from the company’s website. Katzman was in HR at Banco Popular when he ran into a startling problem with an applicant. “I had someone who thought they were interviewing at Chase. [I had to tell him,] ‘No, you’re not at Chase Bank.’ ” He also points out that getting to the interview a little early can help with information gathering. “Sit, collect your thoughts and absorb the company culture. In ten minutes, you can know whether you want to pursue the company.”

Millennials, grow up
If you were born in 1980 or later, expect some culture shock when you enter the workforce. “There’s a huge difference between the Millennial generation and Generation X,” Katzman says. “We didn’t hire someone [in the Millennial generation], and her father called me on the phone, saying, ‘I can’t believe you didn’t hire little Megan.’ My dad would’ve been like, ‘Go look for another fucking job.’ ”

Keep your cool
If you can’t stay calm, you’re unlikely to get the job—and you risk becoming an office legend. Katzman says one interviewee arrived almost an hour late, and when Katzman offered to reschedule the interview for the next day, the fireworks started. “She was screaming bloody murder. She said, ‘I’m not leaving until someone sees me.’ She sat on a bench and braced herself…. The security guard had to literally remove her hands [from the bench], pick her up and put her in the elevator.” Surprise, that candidate didn’t get the job.

Send your HR questions to askandy@timeoutchicago.com. Andy will post his answers on the TOC blog.

NEXT>>