Save your brain from cell phone distraction!

We saw this sign in a doctor's office very recently, and it's certainly not the only time we've seen such a reminder.

We all have some story about the random stranger inappropriately broadcasting his or her personal business via a loud cell phone call. 

There's also research that shows that the ill-timed phone call is truly irritating.

A recent study from the University of San Diego says that overhearing a one-sided cell phone conversation is more distracting than the background noise of a two-sided, in-person conversation. In 2010, a Cornell University study found that the distraction of someone else's cell phone conversation "compromises cognitive performance."

Perhaps you heard the recent news of a theater critic snatching a woman's cell phone away (in use, during a show) and tossing it across the room. We would never advocate that behavior, of course, but we can suggest that you read our list of appropriate times to turn off your cell phone.

And when you're done reading our list, feel free to check out this most amusing guide on cell phone usage and theaters. It will surely make your summer movie-going experiences a little less distracting. 

Job Interviews: Part Six - The Cell Phone

Today in The Small Essentials of Interviewing, we're going to talk about something that has become very important to people—a device that many cannot imagine living without, let alone leaving behind in another room for any extended of time.

That's right. After discussing perfume, accessories, personal space, hands, and shoes, we're going to talk about...

Part Six: Cell phones.

There's really only one thing to do. Turn off your phone before a job interview. Don't put it on vibrate, don't put it on silent—because then you may feel tempted to at least look at it. In fact, turn off your phone AND put it away somewhere where it is at least temporarily out of mind. Leave it in your bag, in the car, or even at home...just keep it tucked away. 

We'll resist the opportunity to preach about cell phones getting in the way of face-to-face human interaction, especially when the other person is right in front of you! You already know about all that, don't you. And we get it - we love our phones, too - but this is one time where you do not need or want that distraction.

Next time, we'll talk about sitting. Yes, really!