The impression you make on a company starts long before an interview. Many job seekers are aware of this when they craft their résumé and cover letter, but relax their professional demeanor when scheduling an interview.
Being terse in your communication or inflexible in your schedule, will sabotage your chances before you ever arrive for an interview. Savvy candidates appreciate that human resource employees are often coordinating numerous schedules while trying to fill vacant positions as quickly as possible. You do not want to be the fly in the ointment in the process. Being difficult in this preliminary phase, shows that you are not a team player and not someone they want on their crew—or interfacing with their students and stakeholders.
Occasionally, you will have an immovable constraint you need to schedule around. Demonstrate your flexibility and collaboration by offering numerous other options. The way you treat those you interact with throughout an application process will be remembered, whether you are offered this job or come up for a position in the future. Make the most of every interaction by being warm, professional, and accommodating.
