Preparing for an interview can be stressful -- and time-consuming. You can spend days researching a company, brainstorming^{1 answers to trick questions and preparing your portfolio2. With so much to do, it's easy to forget the practical details that can distinguish a successful interview from a tragic3 one.}

籌備面試總是是一件既要承受重壓又要耗浪費時間間的事情。你或許要花好幾天時間對一家公司進行調查、絞盡腦汁考慮一些難點的答案、籌備材料。因為事情太多，容易把一些可能決定面試成敗的細節疏忽掉。

This article focuses on the minor^{4 matters that job seekers often overlook before they sit down in the interview hot seat.}

本文將集中講述那些常常被求職者忽略的細節。

Have Interview, Will Travel

面試前打探好路線

The day of the big interview is not the time to try out a new shortcut^{5 or investigate an unfamiliar6 area. Make sure you know how to get to your interview in advance. Make a practice run the day before if necessary.}

要緊的面試日子可不是嘗試走捷徑或者摸清陌生地方的時候。必須要提前了解如何到達面試地址。假如必要的話提前一天試走一遍。

Also, find out exactly where you'll need to go when you arrive at the company. If you're lucky, you'll walk through the front door and find the receptionist waiting. If you're not so lucky, you'll need to find your way to Lot 8, Building 9, Floor 10, Suite^{7 D, Room 125 -- so be sure you know how to get there.}

還要認識一下到了公司后，具體要去什么地方面試。假如幸運地話，你走過前門時會發現接待職員；假如不那樣幸運，你就要自己找路線了（譬如到8幢9號樓10層D座125室）。所以必須要事先確保知道路線。

Eyes and Ears Are Everywhere

四處都可能設防

When it comes to interviewing, a little paranoia^{8 can be a good thing. Your interview starts in the parking lot, so be conscious of your surroundings. Any onlooker9 could be one of your interviewers. Act accordingly.}

去面試時略帶偏執或許有好處。面試從你到達公司時就開始了，所以要注意周圍環境。你身旁的任何一個人都大概就是一位面試官。舉止要得體。

Be courteous^{10 and professional to everyone you meet, from the security guard to the receptionist. If you make small talk with strangers, be positive and pleasant. This isn't the time to complain about the funny smell in the lobby or a long wait for an elevator.}

從保安到接待員，對所有人都要有禮貌、展示出職業水平。和陌生人聊天時，要態度積極、讓人愉快。這可不是抱怨會客廳有異味或等電梯時間太長的時候。

Lastly, turn off your cell phone.

最后一條：面試時關掉手機。