Just like with a good story, your first impression should spark the interviewers
interest within minutes of your initial meeting. Metaphorically speaking
if the interviewers are interested in the first couple paragraphs, they're going to continue reading.
In the first couple of minutes there are many different things you can to make a good first impression.
Don't, be late. It wastes the
interviewers time and makes it seem that you don't care much about the job.
Do, be punctual. Arrive to the interview ten to fifteen minutes before the
scheduled interview time. If you feel that you might be running late be courteous and
contact the interviewer to let them know. This will give them the opportunity to reschedule if
it is more convenient. Don't high five,
fist bump, hug, give a sweaty handshake or squeeze their hand
super hard. Do, introduce yourself with a solid
handshake. If your hands sweat when your nervous keep a tissue on hand to absorb the
moisture while your waiting to be introduced. Don't, be rude
or withdrawn. whether you're talking to the interviewer or the people at reception.
Do, be friendly, smile, and maintain eye
contact. Be friendly to anyone you're in contact with from the moment you walk in the door
to the moment you leave. Smiling will create a warm and positive impression
and maintaining eye contact will demonstrate your self confidence, focus, and respect for others.
Don't slouch, cross your arms or
angle yourself away from your interviewer. Poor posture or closed body language
might make yourself seem disinterested or defensive.
Do, sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor, hands on your lap
or chair and your back against the chair. This open posture will
show that you are interested and engaged. Don't,
fidget. Unintentional body movements such as shaking your leg or playing
with a pen could distract the interviewer from your answers. Do,
use methods to avoid fidgeting, hold your hands on your knees to be more aware of your leg
movements or hold your hands together. Remove any objects from your vision that you might
be tempted to play with. Don't shout, whisper,
speak super quickly or be monotonous.
Do be mindful of the pace, clarity, tone and volume of your
speech. Speak clearly and articulate your words. Show enthusiasm in your
tone of voice and maintain a appropriate volume for the size of the room and number of people you're
meeting with. Mock interviews and practicing out loud can help you improve your speech.
Don't, tell stories that have nothing to do with the job.
Do keep your answers relevant. Stay on point
and keep the content of your answers relevant to the requirements of the job.
Don't give answers that are too short or very long.
Do take your time when answering, but be aware of the interviewers body language
to identify if your answers are going on too long. Are they looking at their watch or the
clock to check the time. Depending on the question a one to two minute response is
typically appropriate, but assume the interviewer knows nothing about you and provide enough detail to
answer the questions completely. Don't get angry or blame others
when talking about previous jobs. Past situations may be emotionally charged
therefore avoid using blaming or negative language when discussing previous employers,
colleagues or work environments. Do, be positive.
They're are looking for a candidate that displays positivity who will fit well within their
team. Make sure to use positive and constructive language when discussing conflicts
or difficult situations. Don't wear any clothing that is too
tight, revealing or uncomfortable avoid noisy or distracting
jewelry or patterns, heavy watches, and loud makeup. Be aware
of scent free policies. Do, dress to impress.
Wear professional or business casual attire, choose solid colours
and subtle patterns and make sure that your clothes are clean, ironed, and not wrinkly.
Ensure you are well groomed by having clean and neat hair. Your professional
image and visual presentation weigh heavily on the employers impression of you.
As a rule of thumb, focus on dressing one step above what they would wear to the workplace your applying
to. This may involve researching the company before or asking the person
who has called to schedule the interview what the dress code is.
A good first impression can spark the interviewers interest in you.
Follow these tips to make a confident and professional first impression.