By Culture and Manners Institute

There is one story that, when I tell it in a university setting, I can see the whites around the eyes of the students.

A woman approached me after a talk in Oklahoma and said, “I am the receptionist in my office. The hiring manager has asked me to keep an eye on the job candidates in the waiting room and report back to him which ones are talking on their cell phones, checking messages or texting. Those are the candidates we do not hire.

Avoid using your cell phone or text messaging while sitting in the waiting room before an interview or even a sales call (which is in itself, an interview).

Take out a notebook and study your notes (for surely you have done your research on this company — their leadership, mission statement, sales figures, etc.) Go over the answers to tricky questions in your head. Even if you usually review notes on your phone or PDA, use something else so you don’t appear to be checking messages. Leave the impression that you are focused on the business at hand and not distracted by other things in your life.