nose hairs, spitting, rudeness are NOT okay - especially in an interview

We've been interviewing for a new position. It's a gig that many want, but only one will get. During this process of sitting down and meeting our candidates - we've learned a few things that might be a little help to people who are currently interviewing for a new job:

1. Don't interrupt. When someone is explaining the position for which you are interviewing - let them. Sounds elementary, but seriously just don't. First - it's rude. Second, whatever you're jumping in with - assumes you already know what we were in the middle of telling you and you probably don't. Third, you might (okay - WILL) save yourself from saying something that will hurt your chances of getting to the next level.

2. Come prepared. Do your research - know the company that you are meeting with. It's still really impressive to meet someone who actually cares enough about the gig to invest some time before the initial interview to even bother to Google or Bing. Sad, but true.

3. But don't suck up. Don't be Wally from Leave It To Beaver. Any possible good impression will be gone and it simply creeps us out.

4. Let your work do all of the bragging. If the work is good and the experience is on par for the position - we'll be impressed. There's a fine art to selling yourself. You don't want to speak to us as if we have no clue about our own job. Most likely, you're meeting with the person who had to do battle to get this open position, write the job description and has sifted through over a hundred applicants to determine who to meet. SO - don't blow it. Talk specifics about your accomplishments and let us handle the "very nice" commentary.

5. Don't look at us and think - "They're younger than my kids!" We can read that thought by the expression on your face. Not a good moment for an interview. We're looking for talent - prove to us in the brief time we have together that you are the best, most qualified in the industry.

6. Look the part. COME ON. Is it too much to ask for everyone to take a moment before the interview and check their teeth for food or nails for dirt - or even nose hairs??? We just met someone who had the longest nose hair. It was really distracting, but not as bad as the spittle between his lips that sometimes went airborne and landed on his tie. Sad.

We did have several successful candidates. Here's what they had in common:
- Expertise in the industry
- Genuine interest in working for our company - proven by their research and 
smart questions
- Personalities that just "clicked" with us (without any hard "sell" on their part)
- Work examples that spoke volumes about their talent
- Really good (and smart) listeners

Don't leave the interview up to "luck." If it's really a job you want, then take it seriously and go after it - but in a very smart way.