I WOULD always make some conversation with any Juan, small talk or some light banter. I may not know everyone I meet or greet, but I will assume they may know me. After a smile and all the reason to find out some connection with whom whatsoever.
For some Juan I may know, it will just be some normal speak, “Anya ngay,” is everything. A greeting, a Hi! Response is surely varied. What's up is what it is. Simply put, a break in the ice. That's us just being us, Baguio folk.
At times very embarrassing when some Juan greets you and you can't recall, maybe from aging or some physique change, in most cases I will not really know, but they know who I am.
They would say that I “wed” them. Yes I do. But please remember that I would for about 10 couples in a week, for some five years. My weddings were quite popular and sought after at that time. I loved to start by asking how they would come to get married, their love story.
All in all the conversation or pleasantries, just an interview.
I would be very exact when I was teaching, especially that of my graduating students. I would relate how it would be in the real world. It is totally different. More formal of course and for some, nerve wracking.
I would tell my students not to worry. I will teach you how to “hack” an interview.
What to wear will matter, what you hold matters, how your overall appearance will be, is also a key. Obviously smart casual is it. The word “smart,” matters already. Bring a book, except the Bible or the Quran or any book that may change the way an interview will be. Not unless you may know everything inside it. I mean no offense to anyone it's just that it does not matter so don't. The point is just bring one that may make you look smart. And if they ask what for, tell them you love to read. But if you're not one, then don't.
Never bring a watch or a cellphone, or anything that may distract you or the interviewer. Plus, it really will not look good if they catch you checking on your time or messages on a cellphone or for any other reason.
Be wary of surroundings, find out immediately for a connection with the person in front of you. His name, family pictures, hobbies even his province, you'll never know, you may have to escape speaking in English and just communicate with a dialect familiar to the both of you. A common friend can also make for some communication. Especially finding out that you or your parents come from the same school. Try your best to find the connection.
I will share a bias, you may say it doesn't matter, to me it does but it's up to you. Don't wear your wedding ring or any other ring except a graduation or school ring. Why? It makes for some immediate perception on you. Especially for females. If it were just a ring it may show opulence or extravagance, just saying. Also a wedding ring would immediately mean attachment and many obligations. Different though for males, a wedding ring shows the opposite. It shows loyalty and responsibility which is a good sign for any applicant. Of course the school ring works for both.
On the other hand, a necklace works for ladies, just that. It takes away some attention away from your whole self. Glasses are fine too, it does blur away information from your eyes. Shades of any kind a no-no.
Hairstyle matters. Anything that makes you look clean and smart is it. Left unkempt makes for the wrong signal. It doesn't matter if it is long or short for the ladies. For men, well it's just obvious. No beards or mustaches for now guys, wait till hired. For tattoos, just hide them.
In the end and with like every Juan you meet along the street, be calm and be yourself. There's nothing that can hinder you from getting a job by just being you. Be confident. Be content with what is.
Lastly, if you were to apply in some “company” or business it would most certainly help if you read or research a little about “them” before you apply. They will surely be impressed for going the extra mile, just food for thought. Good Luck!