Goof proof interviews

Felice Primeau Devine is a writer from Albany, New York. She has worked in publishing for more than ten years as an editor, publicist, and brand director. She is the author of U.S. Citizenship: A Step-by-Step Guide, and Pharmacy Technician Career Starter. She has also authored three other books in the Goof-Proof Series: Goof- Proof Grammar, Goof-Proof Spelling, and Goof-Proof Resumes and Cover Letters. Ms. Devine is also the coauthor of Cosmetology Career Starter, Second Edition.

INTERVIEWS

Conventions

Published in the United States by Learning Express, LLC, New York Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

Devine, Felice Primeau.

Goof-proof interviews / Felice Primeau Devine —1st ed.

p cm.

ISBN 1-57685-463-9 (paperback : alk paper)

1 Employment interviewing 2 Job hunting I Title.

HF5549.5.I6D48 2003

650.14—dc21

2002156255 Printed in the United States of America

Felice Primeau Devine is a writer from Albany, New York She

has worked in publishing for more than ten years as an editor,

pub-licist, and brand director She is the author of U.S Citizenship: A

Step-by-Step Guide, and Pharmacy Technician Career Starter She

has also authored three other books in the Proof Series:

Goof-Proof Grammar, Goof-Goof-Proof Spelling, and Goof-Goof-Proof Resumes and Cover Letters Ms Devine is also the coauthor of Cosmetology Career Starter, Second Edition.

Introduction xi

S E C T I O N O N E

The Goof-Up: Starting Off On the Wrong Foot 1

Rule #2: Keep All the Scheduling Details Organized 3

Rule #4: Schedule Your Interview with

S E C T I O N T W O

The Goof-Up: Being Unprepared 9

Rule #6: Use Your Network as You Research the Company 13Rule #7: Practice Before Each and Every Interview 15

Rule #9: Make the 12 Hours before the Interview Count 20Rule #10: First Impressions Are Important 22

S E C T I O N T H R E E

The Goof-Up: Right Information,

Wrong Interview Format 25Rule #12: The Informational or Networking Interview 27Rule #13: The Human Resources Screening Interview 31

Rule #15: The Repeat Performance Interview 36

Rule #17: The Campus or Job Fair Interview 41

S E C T I O N F O U R

The Top Ten Interview Goof-Ups

And How to Avoid Them 51Rule #22: Be Prepared to Describe Your

Experiences in a Compelling Manner 52Rule #23: Control Your Nervous Habits 54

Rule #25: Answer Every Question Asked 58Rule #26: Sell Yourself as You Answer Questions 59Rule #27: Don’t Speak Ill of, or Belittle

Rule #28: Ask Questions about the Company 64Rule #29: Prepare a List of References 66

Rule #30: Know Your Interview Etiquette 68Rule #31: Avoid Engaging in Inappropriate Behavior 70

S E C T I O N F I V E

The Ten Most Common Interview Questions

And How to Give a Goof-Proof Answer 71

Rule #33: How Would the Company Benefit

Rule #34: What Are You Looking to Achieve

Rule #36: What Is the Most Difficult Thing

Rule #40: Where Do You See Yourself

Rule #41: Being Idealistic: What Is the Ideal Company

S E C T I O N S I X

The Goof-Up: Failing to Follow Through 97

Rule #45: When and How to Say Yes to the Job Offer 107Rule #46: Get All the Answers before

You have got your foot in the door by composingthe perfect resume and cover letter—now what? You must begin

to prepare for a goof-proof interview experience Adequate view preparation begins long before the day of the interview

inter-Goof-Proof Interviews will show you all the pieces that make up

the perfect interview, which will help you secure the job you arereaching for

Excellent interview techniques, tips, and strategies are tackled

one by one in Goof-Proof Interviews In this book, you will uncover

the Goof-Proof Rules that will lead you to goof-free interview

experiences Understanding precisely how to answer questions toimpress your interviewer as well as the logic behind the question

is key to your success In addition, you will learn how to spin yourexperiences into the right words to get the right reaction

● HOW THE GOOF-PROOF METHOD WORKS ●

The 47 Goof-Proof Rules are presented in Goof-Up form You

will read about a common mistake, then learn how to Goof-Proof

yourself, or avoid the mistake Goof-Proof Interviews covers all the

essential areas for successful interview situation, such as:

• preparing for your job interview

• conducting yourself professionally during any interview ation

situ-• taking the necessary steps before, during, and after each andevery interview

• becoming the candidate they want to hire

• evaluating a job offer and determining whether to accept orreject it, based on your personal criteria

In addition to the skills needed to fill a specific position, mostemployers look for positive character traits, such as honesty,enthusiasm, leadership ability, and the ability to communicatewell verbally and in writing It will be during the interview thatthe employer will be looking for you to demonstrate these andother qualities The Goof-Proof method will instruct you on how

to highlight these traits along with your job-related skills

The book is divided into seven sections, each with a differentinterview perspective:

• Section One: Explains the do’s and don’ts as you gather the

necessary information up to your initial scheduling contact

• Section Two: Teaches you the importance of preparation,

covers researching the company, using your network as aresearching tool, practicing your responses and questions,choosing your outfit, grooming concerns, and more

• Section Three: Explains the different interview types, goes

over the most common interview scenarios and how to duct yourself in each: Human Resources (HR) screening, one-on-one format, second, group, campus, job fair, panel, lunch,and phone interviews

con-• Section Four: Takes you through the conventional steps in

the actual interview situation, from casual conversation toquestions, responses, etiquette, common mistakes to avoid,

combating nervous habits, to asking the interviewers the kinds

of questions that show you are paying attention

• Section Five: Lays out all the most important questions you

will be asked in an interview, with sample answers to themost common questions asked in an interview This sectionwill have you prepared for any question an interview willthrow your way

• Section Six: Guides you through the in’s and out’s of leaving

a lasting impression that will get you asked back for futureinterviews, as well as tips on negotiating job offers, and theright way to accept and reject them

• Section Seven: Appendix A: Lists where you can find

up-to-date information on salary and benefits Appendix B: Listspower words and phrases to use in interview conversations.Appendix C: Puts the best print and online interviewingresources at your fingertips

As you practice with this book, keep this in mind: Interviewing

takes up a lot of the interviewer’s time Smart hiring managers go into each interview hoping to find the right candidate When it is your turn, the hiring manager is hoping it’s you He or she wants you to succeed, if for no other reason than that it’s one more item

to cross off on the never-ending to-do list Make that hire be you

by following the Goof-Proof Rules.

After using this book and mastering the Goof-Proof Rules, you

will be able to interview with ease, get the job you are reachingtoward, and embark on a successful career path

Ready to goof-proof your interviews? Good Then let’s getstarted

INTERVIEWS

Don’t makethe mistake of thinking that your uation begins when you walk into your interview From themoment you are asked to meet with a potential employer, youshould consider yourself on the hot seat This section outlines thefour simple and effective methods used by all successful inter-viewees for proper pre-interview preparation and actions:

eval-1 being easy to schedule

2 keeping your scheduling details organized

3 remembering your manners

4 scheduling your interview with plenty of time to prepare

Learning the following Goof-Proof Rules is the best way to get

yourself started on the right foot toward a successful interview

THE GOOF-UP:

STARTING OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT

RULE #1: Be Easy to Schedule

Always try your best to accommodate the interviewer’s schedule.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

Your “#1” priority for your initial phone conversation with theinterviewer is to schedule a convenient day and time for the inter-view The interviewer, or his or her assistant, will likely start offthe scheduling chat with a date Try to be flexible If she says nextThursday at 3:00 P.M., and that’s when your weekly staff meetingtakes place, counter with a better time for you, such as nextThursday at lunch time However, watch your phrasing Don’t betoo precise, such as, “next Thursday at 12:15;” keep “lunchtime”open to his or her interpretation

Likewise, if before 9:00 A.M is the best time for you, go aheadand say so, but if the interviewer doesn’t accommodate that timeslot, offer another one, such as during your lunch hour or after5:00 P.M

● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

Never simply respond in the negative; always suggest an tive date and time Remember, many candidates are suitable to fillany given position in this job market To secure a meeting, beeasy to schedule and you will already have a point in your favor

alterna-● Goof-Proof Your Dialogue

Wrong: Um, 3:00 P M is no good.

Wrong: I can’t make it.

Wrong: Jeez, that’s my kickboxing class time, and I always spend my lunch

hour in that class on Mondays.

Right: Sorry, I have a staff meeting at that time How does a bit earlier in

the day work for you? I can come in around lunchtime.

RULE #2: Keep All the Scheduling Details

a pen and paper along with your planner or personal digital tant (PDA)

assis-● GOOF-PROOF CHECKLIST ●

Here is a list of information you need to get during the initialinterview call:

• the name of person conducting the interview (along with title)

• the exact position for which you are interviewing

• the location of the interview

• directions to the location

• the name of the person (such as the executive assistant orhuman resources representative) to ask for at the interviewlocation, as well as that person’s phone number and extension

• what additional materials, if any, to bring (such as a lio, sample, or reel)

portfo-At the end of the conversation, it is essential to do two things:

• Confirm date, time, place, and materials to bring

• Say “thank you.”

● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

If you have more than one interview commitment in a single day,make sure you leave plenty of time to travel in between appoint-ments Always allow ample time for traffic, parking, or delays withpublic transportation

● Goof-Proof Your Dialogue

Wrong: Uh, okay, see you then [Click.]

Wrong: Thanks Bye.

Wrong: I hope to see you then Ciao.

Right: Next Thursday, November fourteenth at 12:30 sounds perfect I will

see you at Milford Corporate Park in Human Resources reception, and

I will bring my portfolio Thanks again Good-bye.

RULE #3: Don’t Forget Your Manners

Always be polite to everyone you speak with over the phone or encounter in person.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

You never know who will have input in the hiring decision, sowhy risk your future by using bad manners? Often, when a poten-tial employer or human resources representative calls you to talkabout setting up an interview, he or she also is getting a sense ofyour personality over the phone

Ask yourself:

• Are you friendly? Enthusiastic? Clear?

• Are you flustered? Somber? Hard to understand?

• Are you brusque? Rude? Ambiguous in your replies?

● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

You can have terrific qualifications, but if you are a poor municator or unfriendly, you automatically lower your chances forbeing hired

com-● Goof-Proof Your Dialogue

Wrong: Yeah, I can come in sometime next week, I guess.

Wrong: Who? Oh, right The marketing job Uh, I’m not sure what my

day looks like on Tuesday Where’s my Palm Pilot™? Let me call you back .

Wrong: Smrrrring Bhaah [inaudible or mumbled responses]

Right: Thank you for calling, Mr Peterson I am very interested in meeting

with you to discuss the open position in the marketing department.

RULE #4: Schedule Your Interview with Plenty

of Time to Prepare

Always avoid scheduling an interview for the same day that you are invited in for that interview Allow yourself at least one day, or preferably two, to prepare and do your research.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

The reaction you hoped for has happened—a great company iscalling you in for an interview This could be your dream job Youcan’t wait You want to go down there right now and get the inter-view process started Don’t give in to your impulses Even thoughyou are anxious to meet and impress them with your winningpersonality and fantastic experience, make sure you give yourselfample time to do the necessary research prior to meeting in-personfor the interview You may know enough about the company toknow that the position interests you, but before the interview, youshould conduct additional research on the company so that you canengage in general conversation about this potential employer.Check the company’s website, go to the library and look at thecompany’s annual report, familiarize yourself with their productline, or ask people in your network what they know about thecompany The effort you give during the days leading up to theinterview is well worth it

Perhaps you are level-headed during the call, and know thatyou need a couple of days to get prepared, but the humanresources representative or recruiter is really pushing you to come

in right away, as in this evening, after work Don’t get pushedaround Politely, yet firmly, convey that you are unavailable thisevening, but you would be happy to schedule the interview fortomorrow evening or any time the following day

● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

Remain in control of the scheduling, while maintaining a calm andpolite demeanor and a clear communication style Avoid slangand informality

● Goof-Proof Your Dialogue

Wrong: Wow! Thanks for calling me, Ms Hanson! I can come in this

after-noon!

Wrong: Um, gee, Ms Hanson, this afternoon is kinda fast Plus, I’m

wear-ing jeans Well, OK, since you put it that way I can leave work at 4:30 and see you at 5:00.

Right: Ms Hanson, thank you so much for inviting me to come in for an

interview Unfortunately, I am unavailable today, but I would be happy

to come in after business hours tomorrow Does around 5:30 work for you?

Your skillsand ability may make you the best didate for a prospective position, but if you are not adequatelyprepared for an interview, you may never get the chance todemonstrate those skills on the job Interviewers look for specificthings when screening candidates, and they will be able to tellright away whether or not you have properly prepared for theinterview Don’t let a simple mistake like not shutting off yourmobile phone ruin a shot at your dream job.

can-In this section you will learn the importance of:

• researching companies

• using your networks in researching companies

• practicing before every interview

• choosing the right thing to wear

• making the hours before the interview count

• first impressions

• showing up for the interview on time

THE GOOF-UP:

BEING UNPREPARED

By learning the following seven Goof-Proof Rules, you will

prepare yourself to impress even the most scrutinizing of viewers, and give yourself the peace of mind to concentrate onwhat’s really important—your talents

inter-RULE #5: Research the Company

Always research the company that has called you in for an view, even if you think you know everything about them—even if your Dad works there.

inter-● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

Large or small, public or private, it is your job to research thecompany prior to showing up for your interview In fact, youshould have done some initial research when you sent yourresume and cover letter If you don’t know much beyond the clas-sified ad that you responded to, get busy

Perhaps you only know the basics; or you understand, ormaybe even use their product, but you don’t know their corpo-rate philosophy Once you have scheduled the interview, useyour time wisely to learn what you need to know in order topresent yourself as a knowledgeable and aware candidate

These days, most companies have a website from which youcan gather basic information In addition, your local library should

be equipped with the tools you need to find out about the pany Take notes, and don’t be shy about consulting your notesduring the interview—it shows you took the time to prepare

com-Beyond finding out about the company in general, you shouldseek information on:

• the company history and philosophy

• the specific department in which you are interviewing

• the product or service the company provides

• the industry they work within

• the competition

• the person or people you are meeting and what they do

• the precise job that you are interviewing for

● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

Never wait until the night before an interview to research thecompany What if you assumed you could find everything ontheir website and the website is “down” or nonexistent? You will

be more comfortable and confident in the days leading up to yourinterview if you have taken the time to carefully and thoroughlyresearch the company

● GOOF-PROOF CHECKLIST ●

Find your information here:

• Use the Internet Try a popular search engine, such as

Yahoo!, Dogpile, or Google

• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your city or town.

Even information on the smallest local businesses can befound here

• Look it up at your local library You can find a wealth of

information at your branch

• Search for news Coverage can be found in recent back

issues of business magazines

• Obtain information via media Company-issued press

releases, press kits, newsletters, and industry-specific zines and websites can be helpful

maga-• Check out their competition If you found information on

the company on the Web, you are likely to find information

on the company’s major competition

• For a publicly held company: Obtain information through

the public relations or investor relations offices Ask for anannual report—a disclosure to stockholders that presents itscorporate philosophy, history, products and services, goals,financial status, and profiles of top-level executives

• For a civil service position: Obtain information from the

agency’s websites or contact the department directly

RULE #6: Use Your Network

as You Research the Company

Always check with the members of your network to find inside information on the company with which you will be interviewing.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

In a perfect scenario, you will know someone who already works

at the company you are interested in, and be able to accessinformation from this contact However, this isn’t always the case

If you are in your hometown, put the word out with your tacts Ask former teachers, friends’ parents, your parents’ friends,and relatives

con-If you don’t have access to your city at the level that you would

if you had grown up there, check your college alumni association,any professional organizations you belong to, and the people thatyou have become acquainted with throughout your career

● GOOF-PROOF CHECKLIST ●

Keep asking, and you are bound to find a connection:

• Talk to people who work at the company They will have

the first-hand experience that you seek

• Speak with people in your industry They may know

someone at the company or be familiar with the company’soperations through business-to-business interactions

• Six degrees of separation really works Talk to everyone

you know, and ask them to think of a personal connection atthe company If you are diligent, the odds are in your favorfor coming up with a networking link Don’t give up!

• Pay attention while you research While you research the

company, pay attention to the names of the people quoted inthe interviews or briefs, to get a sense of the personalities atwork as well as the corporate culture

● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

Networking before an interview can be tricky What do you do ifthe person who knows the most about the company you areinterviewing with is an employee at your current company? In acase such this, it is important to be discreet Ask your coworkerabout the prospective company without giving away that you are

on the market for a new job Otherwise, you risk putting your league in an awkward position, and he or she may then not beforthcoming with you

col-RULE #7: Practice before Each and Every Interview

No matter how comfortable you think you are, always practice before meeting your interviewer.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

Often, when professionals are in full “interview mode”—goingaround town, aggressively interviewing—they can develop aphony sense of their own level of preparedness This can happensimply by frequent interviewing without taking the necessarysteps between interviews Don’t get caught in this trap, especially

if this is your first “real” job Interviewers can sense it

To stay fresh and informed, it is essential to practice your ery In addition to practicing your responses to the interviewer’squestions, it is also important to practice inserting facts about thecompany you are interested in working for These facts are whatyou uncovered as you did your research, the other key element

deliv-to interview preparedness

The best way to practice is to enlist a friend or relative to playthe part of the interviewer This way, you can practice answeringquestions out loud, in real time, which is more accurate than read-ing your answers to yourself or even practicing before the mirror.The other part of the interview consists of you asking questions

of the interviewer It’s a good idea to practice this, too, as you cannever fully anticipate the interviewer’s response

Ideally, the person you practice with should not act as yourpersonal cheerleader; rather, he or she should feel comfortablegiving you constructive criticism Likewise, you should feel com-fortable receiving constructive criticism from this person

● GOOF-PROOF CHECKLIST ●

Watch out for these interview goof-ups:

• Being stale Interviewing frequently can lead to robotic

responses By peppering your standard responses with factsabout the company, industry, and current events, you canfreshen and enliven your delivery

• Being generic In today’s job market, on any given day there

will be plenty of qualified applicants for the position forwhich you are interviewing Set yourself apart from the com-petition by letting your personality shine through in everyconversation, and by remembering to tailor your responses tothe company you are meeting with

• Being jaded Even if you are a perfectly suitable and

ultra-prepared candidate, you can slip up by coming across as alier, disingenuous, or even arrogant Don’t try to outsmart ortalk over your interviewer—nobody likes a smarty-pants

cav-• Being nervous It’s okay to be a little nervous about an

inter-view, especially when the future of your career is at stake

However, don’t let your nerves get the best of you See

Goof-Proof Rule #23 for strategies for overcoming nervousness.

See Section Five for in-depth practice interview questions and

model responses

RULE #8: Choose the Right Thing to Wear

Always take the time to carefully plan your interview outfit: from wearing the appropriate apparel to ensuring that everything is clean and in wearable condition.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

While many businesses are casual in attire, don’t make the take of thinking that you can show up for your interview casuallydressed

mis-Although this rule is simple and easy to follow, it is amazingthat so many candidates manage to miss something To easilyGoof-Proof your interview outfit, simply follow the appropriatechecklist

• in a non-corporate environment, an acceptable alternative for

a suit is a (less formal) sport jacket/blazer and dress slacks

• a pressed white or light colored, long-sleeved, cotton dressshirt

• a tie that coordinates with your suit, avoiding wild colors andpatterns

• dark socks that coordinate with your suit and dress shoes

• polished, plain black or brown leather dress shoes

• deodorant/antiperspirant

What to Remember

• brush your teeth

• shower

• shave

• comb and style your hair

• clean your nails

What to Avoid

• fragrance of any kind—scents can cause allergic reactions inothers, or may be considered unappealing by your inter-viewer

• jewelry, other than a watch or your wedding band

• baseball caps or other hats

• a well-tailored, clean, and pressed suit in a conservative color

• an acceptable alternative to a suit is a tailored dress or a sweaterset with a knee-length skirt or dress slacks

• hosiery—either neutral nylons or tights, depending on theseason and region—is a must

• polished, plain, sensible pumps, or low-heeled dress shoes

What to Avoid

• low-cut necklines, sleeveless tops, and sheer fabrics

• mini-skirts

• loud prints and patterns

• open-toed shoes and spike heels

• dramatic makeup

• fragrance of any kind—scents can cause allergic reactions inothers, or may be considered unappealing by your inter-viewer

• excessive or flashy jewelry

What to Bring

• a briefcase, portfolio, or large simple tote bag to carry copies

of your resume, a notepad, pens, research materials, etc

● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

No matter who you are, where you live, what job you are ing for, or what type of company it is that you are visiting, youroutfit should be clean, well-tailored, flattering, wrinkle-free, andfree of static cling

apply-RULE #9: Make the 12 Hours before

the Interview Count

You can do all the right research, wear the right clothing, and practice your answers perfectly, but if you do not plan and behave appropriately in the 12 hours before the interview, you are risking all of your preparedness to this point.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

An employer’s hiring decision is based on your skills, experience,

education, and how you present yourself and perform during the

interview It has nothing to do with luck, and everything to dowith preparation

● GOOF-PROOF CHECKLIST ●

Your final interview preparation comes down to getting just a fewcrucial things right:

• Get a good night’s sleep This is the real world, not

col-lege—save the late nights and celebrating for after your view Lack of sleep shows on your face and in your responsetime Why risk it?

inter-• Eat breakfast Go for a high protein, low fat option, such as

oatmeal or eggs If you are not the breakfast type, try to grab

a banana or a cereal bar before a morning interview Avoidthe donut cart—an all-sugar breakfast can give you a momen-tary sugar high in the reception area, and then thwart an inter-view with a sugar crash So choose breakfast, and choosewisely Not only will you be more alert with fuel in your sys-tem, but you will likely avoid any embarrassing stomach rum-blings during the interview

• Avoid overdosing on caffeine Never completely avoid

cof-fee if you are a daily drinker; lack of caffeine can give you a

headache, which will distract you during the interview wise, resist the urge for that third big cup; rather than look-ing alert, you will probably look jittery, which does not make

Like-a positive impression

• Read the newspaper Most interviews start out with some

small talk Make sure that you are up to speed on currentevents and any big news stories of the day If the interviewermakes a comment and you respond with silence or panic, youwill convey disinterest, which is never good

RULE #10: First Impressions Are Important

First impressions are about a lot more than what you are wearing Put your best foot forward by following this simple rule.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

While the interviewer (along with everyone else at the companythat you encounter) will notice your outfit, the second thing aboutyou that he or she will pick up on is your attitude

● GOOF-PROOF CHECKLIST ●

Here are a few simple things to remember as you make your wayinto and out of the interview:

• Have a smile on your face, not a scowl

• Make eye contact when listening and speaking—never lookdown

• Check your attitude at the door: If someone cut you off in fic, shoved you on the bus, stepped on your foot on the sub-way, or didn’t hold the door for you upon entering thebuilding, get over it

traf-● GOOF-PROOF RULE OF THUMB ●

It’s a cliché because it’s true: You never get a second chance tomake a first impression!

RULE #11: Show up on Time

Never show up late for an interview Ever.

● GOOF-PROOF IT! ●

If you show up late, you start out with one big strike against you

In fact, you have done a favor for your competitors for the tion If you have adequately prepared for your interview, thenyou know exactly how to show up at the interview location tenminutes early

posi-● GOOF-PROOF CHECKLIST ●

The eight secrets for staying on schedule:

1 Ask for specific directions when you are scheduling your interview If you forget, call back Don’t feel silly; it’s

silly not to ask

2 Practice the route Clock the drive or public

transporta-tion commute from your home or office, whichever is yourdeparting location

3 Allow time for traffic or train delays Anticipate the

worst-case scenario, and allow yourself extra time If youmake it to the interview in record time, sit for a few minutes

in your car and compose yourself or walk around the block

to kill time and ease your nerves If you are really early, readthrough your notes Don’t enter the interview too early

4 Arrive at the reception desk ten minutes early Allow

for signing in and slow elevators If necessary, ask to use therestroom and give yourself a quick once-over in the mirror

5 Be friendly and polite to everyone that you encounter—the security guard, the elevator person, the

doorman, the receptionist, the assistant—even other people

in the elevator You never know who’s watching, so be onyour best behavior