I love this article and the trend where companies are moving back to the “human” personal contact with customers.  This is a direct correlation to our Mission Statement at Patrice & Associates:  “Recruiting is not about money, it is about helping people find jobs.”  If all industries treated people as important customers rathern than commodities this world would be a better place.

 

Albertsons LLC has announced that it will be removing all of its self-checkout lanes inside its grocery stores. The company is pulling all the self-checkout lanes from the roughly 100 of its stores that have them. MSNBC reported that the move is “in an effort to encourage more human contact with its customers … The move marks a surprising step back from a trend that began about a decade ago, when supermarkets began installing self-checkout lanes, touting them as a solution to long lines. Now some grocery chains are questioning whether they are really good for business.”

There are also recent reports that both Kroger and Publix are reconsidering the whole issue of self-checkout. “We just want the opportunity to talk to customers more,” says Albertsons spokeswoman Christine Wilcox.
“That’s the driving motivation.” Shortly after the announcement, SUPERVALU was quick to distance its Albertsons stores from those of the aforementioned by publishing a press release stating it will NOT be removing self-checkout lanes.  Many other retailers have implemented this technology, including non-grocery companies such as Home Depot and Lowes.  From a customer experience perspective, reports have been split on functionality and ease of use. Many times, an associate is needed to step in and assist, especially with
large orders that tend to occur at grocery stores, bucking the ‘increased customer interaction’ theory. However, there’s always going to be a proportion of shoppers that are opposed to a full self-service model start to finish.

Many job seekers are afraid of being  rejected by potential employers. This situation can cause job interview  performance problems. In fact, pre-interview anxiety is a normal  human behavior. However, these fears can be controlled and  handled effectively before the interview takes place. Fears and Nerves before a job interview can  display in many forms: dry mouth, sweaty palms, shaking, heart palpitations and sweating.

You are not alone – many interviewers  feel some of these symptom’s before an interview and it is perfectly normal. However, there is a solution to these  pre-interview nerves – your tasks during the 24 hour before an interview. This is the right time to get mentally  prepared and calm down.

So, what are the things to do before a job interview? Where is the Job Interview check list?

Read further.

How to relax before an interview: how to  calm down before an interview

You can practice pre-planned activities for  calming your nerves before an interview. The way you control the regular stress  that appears hours and minutes before interview can improve significantly your performance. Here are some suggested ‘things to do before  an interview’ in addition to things we should not do (i.e. don’ts):

1 Day before an interview – the evening  before your job interview

• Preparations before interview:
Prepare a list of your achievements to remind you of how great you are. Review  the related frequently asked job interview questions and answers.

• Make your final job interview test:
Pretend that you are sitting in the interview room and actually performing. You  know how professional you are. Practice your sales pitch one last time.

• Imagine: Think about the traveling  route that you are going to drive tomorrow. See yourself in the interview room,  hear yourself speaking with confidence.

The night before the interview

• Get enough sleep – at least 8  hours. Make sure that you wake up physically prepared and mentally refreshed.

The interview day: Morning or 3-4 hours  before the interview

• Dress for success: power-dressing  (i.e. dress code factor) can help boosting up your confidence. It also  impresses your interviewer.

• Eat wisely: don’t full yourself  with too much food for energy reserve. Eat as you eat regularly.

• Document Check: check your folder  one last time. Check (and read) documents like resume and job description to  have it fresh in your mind.

• Needless to say: Don’t drink  alcohol before interview, don’t smoke 2 hours before the interview and don’t  take medications/pills before interview. It smells and it feels.

• Prayer before an interview: if a  pray helps you to relax and calm nerves so pray.

Traveling to the interview

• Arrive early at your job interview  and spend some time to freshen up. You don’t want to be caught in a  traffic jam with no spare time left.

• Mind the time before the interview
–   arrive 30-45 minutes so you’ll have enough time to arrange your  thoughts and relax.

• Listen to music: what sort of  music do you like – pop, power songs, relaxing songs? Turn on the radio and  select your favorite radio station.

• Fresh air: Blast the air  conditioner (or open the window) for fresh and crisp air. It will awaken your  senses

Car parking or 30 minutes before your job  interview

• Positive thinking and ‘happy  thoughts’: no time for self-doubts. All thoughts should be positive. Close  your eyes and pretend to feel happy and you feel happy – that’s the formula.

• Breathing: breathe for four counts  and hold your breath for four counts.

• Visualize your activities before  actually performing them: athletes use this tactic to concentrate on their  mission. Before the interview, see yourself shaking hands, smiling, speaking,  making eye contact and generally being comfortable with yourself – If you think
it, it will happen.

Go into the building

• Restroom check: first thing to do,  getting into the interview building is going to the restroom. Wash your face,  wash your hands and smile to the mirror. Take your time.

• Drink fresh water: no Coke.

• Cell phone: turn off your cell  phone.

• Take slow/deep breaths: take deliberate  and controlled breaths to regulate the amount of oxygen in your body –  it helps your mind focus better.

Good Luck!!