When it’s time for your interview you should assume that everyone you encounter is part of the interview process.
This is a little different if your interviews are entirely virtual, but if you have any part that is in-person then assume everyone who sees you has an opinion that can effect your odds of getting hired. And assume that there will be a point in the decision process when their opinions will be sought.
So what do you do?
Well, beyond the basics of showing up a few minutes (typically about 5 minutes early is right), you should also be polite to the receptionist, and security, and the person who buzzes you into the lobby, and the people in the waiting room, and the…well hell, you know what? Just be nice to everyone. It doesn’t cost you anything and it’s also the right thing to do. But moreover, it also has business benefit for you getting your dream job.
You don’t need to be overly effusive, but do say hello, introduce yourself, indicate why you are there and ask to speak to the person who set up the interview.
When the receptionist says that they’ll let so-and-so know you are there, be sure to say “thank you.”
The same rules apply for everyone else that you meet on the way into and out of the interview. In an in-person interview it is common for someone to greet you in the lobby and walk you back to the room where the interview will take place. This person may not be involved in the proper interview. Be polite and engage them anyway.
I am always surprised when I hear about candidates who just treat these people as bit players. Many companies use these greeters to gain information about the candidates and how they act when they are outside of the interview setting.
Be polite and be engaging. You are being graded on that interaction too! Besides, it’s just good manners.