Job hunting - a different perspective

Countdown to my second interview with prospective new employer. I am told by the headhunter that this will be more of a 'formality', a very generic two-way discussion, more for them to find out where I can potentially fit into their programme. It will be with a panel of some 4 to 5 people, all senior stakeholders, one of whom is the overall person in charge.

Re-reading those last lines it sounds like I am signing up to a NASA project.

Either way, I am now going through my checklist in the lead up to the actual event. Now don't get me wrong here, I love interviews. Something about the person on the other side of the table and the fact that (typically) I know nothing about them, and all they have is my CV and references to go by, makes it a little bit like going on a first date.

How so? Think about it.

• You take great care in wearing the right outfit, not too serious, not too outrageous, smart but individual
• You do your homework and find out what you can about the other individual and/or the company they keep
• You make a note of questions you would like answers to
• You are on best behaviour
• You trust your gut instinct as to whether your potential partner is genuine or a complete waste of time
• You decide pretty quickly whether you a) are interested, b) wish to meet up again, or c) need an exit strategy asap.

So how do you adapt this when facing a panel of potentially 5 blokes? Turn on the charm? Try to be witty? Say something they will remember, an amusing anecdote perhaps?

All I can say at present is that I hope my recently-acquired cold does not hamper matters. I am now having regular sneezing fits that are scaring even the children. How ironic would it be to find myself rejected for a job on the basis that my nose overtook proceedings?

Ait-choooooo! Watch this space.