First Impressions and The Interview
No matter what industry you work in, how high or low on the totem pole you may be, it is certain that you had to, at some point, go in for an interview or meet with your potential employer. For some, these kinds of interactions are second nature, and they rely on natural charisma and laid-back confidence to make a positive first impression. However, for a good many people, job interviews and making a positive first impression can be something of an issue.
The job interview can be broken down into a few simple steps, which can then be individually attacked until you have mastered each of them. This basic guide will teach you many of the important highlights to making the correct first impression, as well as what to say during the interview, and how to say it. Now, before you skip this section because you think you already have these steps mastered, I highly encourage you to, at minimum, skim through it and get a refresher on some key techniques
for being a good interviewee.
The job interview can be broken down into a few simple steps, which can then be individually attacked until you have mastered each of them. This basic guide will teach you many of the important highlights to making the correct first impression, as well as what to say during the interview, and how to say it. Now, before you skip this section because you think you already have these steps mastered, I highly encourage you to, at minimum, skim through it and get a refresher on some key techniques
for being a good interviewee.
- First, before we make any kind of first impression, it is crucial to decide what to wear to your interview. This may not seem like a massive issue, but it is entirely possible to both underdress and overdress for a job interview, and it is key to find that happy medium. Moreover, it is strongly suggested that you wear something that you are still comfortable in, or else you'll be spending half the interview fidgeting and adjusting your clothes. For suggestions on how to dress in almost any situation, go check out the "Business Fashion" page to explore some ideas for your job interview.
- Second, now that you've arrived at the office or meeting location (try to arrive around five or ten minutes early, which shows you can be punctual and are truly interested in the job), and seen your potential employer, you have somewhere between five and twenty seconds to make a true "First Impression". In that time, it is crucial to give them a solid handshake, introduce yourself, and ask them a question, perhaps something about their day, or give them a compliment. If you're both wearing a watch, ask them about it, or pay them a compliment regarding their timepiece. Doing so will make you appear engaged, as well as approachable and friendly.
- Now, it's time for your interview. If they offer you a beverage, choose either water or coffee, if you choose to accept, or politely decline. Above all, it is imperative that you remain polite to everyone in the office, as it aids in their first impression of you and will help you quickly bond with coworkers.
- You will likely be asked a series of questions regarding your work experience, personal life, and plans for how you intend to work for the company. It is at this point that most people begin to panic and fumble their interview. It may seem difficult to relax, but if you take just a brief second before each answer to collect yourself, your answers will likely be far calmer and well thought-out. If you want to prepare for some questions ahead of time, here are a few commonly asked job interview questions.
- What was your previous/current employment, and what sort of role did you play in that environment? (This question refers to past work experience, and your answer should be a few sentences about your past 2-3 jobs.)
- What do you plan on bringing to the table at this company? (Here, the interviewer wants to know how you plan on benefitting the company, and will want a summary of your plans to be a positive influence on the company.
- How would you describe yourself? (The interviewer may make this question more specific by asking about how you view yourself as a worker, or as a person, etc. and this is when you want to really toot your own horn here. Be honest and humble, but try to include as many of your best qualities as you can.)
- At this point, the interview portion will likely be largely concluded, and the interviewer may ask you if you have any questions. While many people assume it is polite to avoid asking questions, many interviewers/potential employers want you to ask. It shows them you're interested in the company, and the job, and also shows you were paying attention during the interview. Ask them anything you'd like about the job and position. If you have a question about salary, wages, or benefits, don't hesitate to ask it. It may seem rude, but there are often opportunities to negotiate a higher salary, and to gain more knowledge about benefits you'll receive. After you have asked these, thank them graciously for the interview, shake their hand once more, and let the interview conclude.
These five basic tips are very, very useful for nailing that interview, and making a positive first impression. Beyond these, however, just remember to be honest, be direct, and be polite.
As an anecdote, I recently acquired a position at a firm that afforded me several opportunities, both in terms of career and in salary. This information on its own may not be worthy of note, but what is so intriguing about my employment at said firm is this: I was essentially guaranteed the position before I even had an interview. So, how did I, an individual with minimal experience in that industry, and very few face-to-face interactions with my potential employer, receive such a position? The answer? First impressions. Upon walking into my interview, I was informed that I would be hired immediately, regardless of how well the interview went. This phenomenon occurred due to my email correspondence with the executives at the firm, which left such a positive first impression that they were willing to hire me without even an interview. So, yes, the first impression matters more than even the first few months of interactions. The interview, and your first impression, are the two biggest determining factors about any job and corporate interaction, and are two highly important skills you should have in your pocket today.
As an anecdote, I recently acquired a position at a firm that afforded me several opportunities, both in terms of career and in salary. This information on its own may not be worthy of note, but what is so intriguing about my employment at said firm is this: I was essentially guaranteed the position before I even had an interview. So, how did I, an individual with minimal experience in that industry, and very few face-to-face interactions with my potential employer, receive such a position? The answer? First impressions. Upon walking into my interview, I was informed that I would be hired immediately, regardless of how well the interview went. This phenomenon occurred due to my email correspondence with the executives at the firm, which left such a positive first impression that they were willing to hire me without even an interview. So, yes, the first impression matters more than even the first few months of interactions. The interview, and your first impression, are the two biggest determining factors about any job and corporate interaction, and are two highly important skills you should have in your pocket today.
