You’ve done your homework and thoroughly researched the company where you will be interviewing. Your shoes are shined, you’ve arrived on time, and now you are waiting for your opportunity to market yourself to a prospective employer. Have you greeted the receptionist politely and with a smile? People in the front offices are very powerful in determining whether or not you will be hired. If you are rude or short with the receptionist, you can bet that person’s feedback will be taken into account by the interviewer.
The best tool you can have in creating a good impression is a positive attitude and an effort to make others around you comfortable. Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake and above all, show self-confidence by making eye contact with that person. Try to establish some type of rapport with your interviewer without getting too personal. Listening is also very important. Don’t concentrate so much on what you want to say next that you lose track of what the employer is asking you in the present. Take some time to reflect on difficult questions. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, reply with another question. For instance, if the interview asks about your salary range, answer by inquiring what the person is planning on paying their best candidate. Avoid asking questions regarding vacation and benefits right up front, which may raise red flags about what is important to you in your employment.
When asked about why you left/are leaving your current or former employer, practice your response. Keep it short and simple. Badmouthing past employers or complaining about poor treatment in past jobs is a sure way to blow the interview. There is no place for negativity in an interview. Period!
Appear enthusiastic and demonstrate that you really want the job. Take the initiative and explain to the interviewer how your performance can benefit the company. Give concrete examples of past experiences that resulted in measurable accomplishments.
Body language can convey negativism even if your words don’t. An interview is a chance for the employer to observe how you react under pressure. Signs of nervousness and tension include touching your mouth frequently, faking a cough to allow more time to think about a question, lip-chewing, unnatural or forced smiles, leg or foot swinging and slouching. Avoiding eye contact implies to the interviewer that you may be hiding something or have poor communication skills.
End the interview on a good note by shaking hands and thanking the employer for his or her time. Reinforce the fact that you are very interested in the position and restate, in summary, your qualifications. Ask if you can telephone in a few days to inquire about the position, or when the company will be contacting you with a decision. Send a thank you note on a plain note card or stationary as soon as you get home and mail it promptly. It’s also a good idea to follow up with a second letter which should be mailed in time to arrive a week before the indicated time of decision making. If not contacted within a week of the indicated time, make a phone call to check on the status of the position. Remain proactive and don’t assume a decision has been made if you aren’t contacted.
Making a good impression is very important in the job search process as it influences the interviewer’s perception of whom you are and what you have to offer. What does your behavior and impression say about you? Here are some quick tips for a great first impression.
· Dress the part! Wear attire appropriate for one level above the job for which you are applying.
· Exude confidence and a positive attitude.
· Smile, offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
· Listen!
· Show interest and enthusiasm.
· Be conscious of body language – yours and the interviewer’s.
· Treat all contacts within the company politely and with respect.
· Follow up with a Thank You.