Written by: Mitch Rupert, Communications Manager, Bloom Golf Partners

Things I care about when conducting an interview:
1. If you can stay on point.
2. How easily you can explain your experiences.
3. Your enthusiasm.
4. Whether or not you’re genuine.

Things I don’t care about when conducting an interview:
1. What you’re wearing.
2. Where you’re sitting (so long as it’s quiet).
3. What’s in your background.
4. Whether or not you’re using your phone or a computer.

I know what’s important to me as the individual conducting a job interview. The things I do care about are what matters. The things I listed that I don’t care about are, to me, ancillary things that have zero bearing on whether or not you’re able to do the job you’re interviewing for.

But it’s also important to remember that just because it doesn’t matter to me, doesn’t mean it’s not critical for everyone else who sees your interview. They are areas worth considering as you head into your next job interview, even virtual interviews. Are you dressed appropriately? Are you clean? Is there a better option than sitting in your vehicle? Is your sound quality going to be at its best with the device you’re using.

These areas can really enhance your professional presence. And your professional presence tells a story about you and how you approach the details of your life and your job. I am not a believer that everyone needs to wear a jacket and tie for an interview, but I also believe you should dress for the job you want, so factor that into your plans as you prep for your interview.

I think candidates often get lost in the blue collar nature of the work to maintain a golf course and its equipment that they forget the white collar nature of the clientele they’re serving, and the people who make the hiring decisions. So ask yourself as you prepare for your interview, what story are your telling with your professional presence? What story are your documents (resume, cover letter, porfolio) telling to those who are reading them? Are they carefully groomed or haphazardly put together? If you can figure out what story you want to tell to the person conducting your interview, you’re going to find the right balance of professional and relaxed allowing you to be comfortable.

About the Author

Mitch Rupert

Mitch Rupert brings more than 20 years of high-stakes interviewing experience—from covering professional and youth sports as an award-winning Associated Press journalist—to his role with Bloom Golf Partners. Since joining the firm in 2021, he has supported candidate communication, interviews, and due diligence while applying his storytelling and research expertise to the executive search process.