How to make a great first impression at your next job interview
“You never get a second chance to make a first impressions.” “Two things remain irretrievable: time and a first impression.” “First impressions last.”
How ever you put it, there is no getting away from the fact that we all form first impressions of people and that those impressions matter. What’s more, people are quick to form those first impressions. In fact, it’s often quoted that it takes just seven seconds from meeting someone for people to form an impression of who you are. Seven seconds! That’s probably less than the time it takes to read this paragraph.
Critically, once formed, it’s an uphill task to replace those first impressions.
Therefore, it’s crucial to get things right to create a great first impression when attending your next job interview. Here’s your checklist to ensure that you get that invite to a second interview, or better still, the job offer.
Look the part
Dress for the job you’re looking to secure. Decide if formal or informal is appropriate. While ultra-formal uniforms for both men and women are far less ubiquitous than they were a decade ago, some industry sectors such as legal still require a degree of formality. Equally, if you’re interviewing for a creative role, a slightly relax approach may be suitable.
However, avoid going casual in any circumstance. Avoid jeans and trainers at all costs.
And if you’re in any doubt, opt for the formal option – no employer is going to mark you down for the sharp cut of your suit.
Smile
A smile goes a long way. It can be disarming and charming. It presents you as open and approachable. In fact, a friendly smile will notch up a good few points on the positive first impressions scale. (Just make sure there are no bits stuck between your teeth from that kale smoothie you had to kick off your morning!)
Introduce yourself
Introduce yourself with a firm, but not a bone crunching, handshake. It’s important to exude a sense of confidence and be prepared to make small talk, but only if led by the interviewer, about your journey, weather, etc.
Listen
While you may have now moved on to the actual interview, the process of forming those first impressions continues. And does so until you finish the interview and leave the building.
Therefore, it is critical that you pay complete attention and listen carefully to each instruction or question. And if ever you are unsure about anything, ask your interviewer to repeat the question.
This will ensure that you answer the question that has been asked and not respond to a question you perhaps misunderstood or misheard.
Make eye contact
No doubt you are familiar with the expression “Eyes are the window to the soul”. While employers are unlikely to want to know what lies in the deepest recesses of your soul, they are certainly interested in the kind of person you are and how you will fit within their company culture.
Looking into a person’s eyes can tell what the person thinks and feels. Making eye contact with your interviewer demonstrates your interest and engagement with the interview process. And remember, often you may have more than one interviewer – it’s important to address all parties and not just the person who has asked the question.
However, do also remember that it’s not a stare down contest!
Thank you!
As the interview comes to a close, remember to thank your interviewer.