Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Start off on the right foot; land firmly with a new job
It’s a popular saying and belief that “a first impression is a lasting impression.” Obviously, this can either work for you or against you when interviewing for a job.
In today’s competitive job-search environment, you want as many things in your favor as possible. Here are some good places to begin when seeking to make a good impression on a hiring manager.
Arrive on time for your interview.
This is critical in making sure you create the right first impression. Arrive too early, and you might be considered a nuisance — too late, and the perception will be you’re undependable. Getting there 10 to 15 minutes early is polite and professionally acceptable. When arriving 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time, it’s an excellent idea to say, “I’m a few minutes early for my interview appointment; I hope that’s not an inconvenience,” when you’re greeted.
Dress appropriately for the interview.
This isn’t the time to make a “cool” statement or one of high fashion, unless the position calls for it. Keep in mind that you are requesting serious consideration to join the company. You need to be respectfully and properly dressed for the occasion.
Be well groomed.
Make sure your hair is neat, your fingernails are clean and trimmed, and your shoes are in excellent condition. Each of these key areas can take the interviewer’s focus away from what you have to say. Outlandish hair or makeup, or lack of cleanliness, will rarely help you get to the top of a hiring list.
Project a quietly confident manner.
Your attitude in the initial minutes of an interview will be evaluated quickly, and you don’t want to feel the need to overcome a wrong first impression. Being too shy or nervous may make the interviewer think you’re not confident in your skill sets or capabilities. Be polite, courteous and confident. Even if you are uncomfortable making direct eye contact, make sure you have regular eye connection throughout your interview. People may say you can’t measure an attitude; however, I know a bad one when I see it.
Be mindful of your nonverbal cues.
Sit properly and appear attentive by leaning slightly forward or being semirelaxed in the chair. If you are standing for part of the interview, keep a comfortable distance from the interviewer. Allow the interviewer to make the choice of either a wider or closer distance while talking. If you naturally tend to touch people as you talk, be sure not to do so in an interview. Most people prefer not to be touched by someone in any way unless they know the person well.
Common sense can be your guide during those initial minutes of the interview process. If you have to ask yourself or pause to consider whether something is all right to do, it probably isn’t. Save the jokes and small talk until later in the interview process, if at all. Finding that special job is serious business, and you want to start off on the right foot.
— Gary Moore is the president of Insight Edge. He has more than 30 years of business experience and specializes in the Personality Priority hiring process, sales and leadership training. Visit Moore’s website, www.insightedge.com, or send email to garymoore@insightedge.com.