Make a Lasting First Impression

It may be a cliché, but it's true. First impressions count. People are psychologically wired to form impressions of people the moment they come into contact with them. Over an extended period of time, if these impressions are wrong, they can be corrected, but when you are showing up for a job interview, you don't have an extended period of time. You need to impress that interviewer the second you walk through the door, and keep on impressing right up until the time you are offered the job. Here are a few tips on making a lasting first impression.

Dress The Part

For any job to which you are applying, you must dress appropriately. This generally means you are well groomed and wearing a clean suit. You should have at least one and if you don't, invest in one. Depending on the job, you may be required to wear a suit every day if you get it, so you may need more than one. Even if the job does not require such formal dress, you should dress this way for the interview. If you get the job, you can always adjust your work attire. Make sure your hair and fingernails are neatly trimmed and any piercings or tattoos are hidden (earrings are usually okay for women).

Make Eye Contact

When you meet your interviewer, look him or her directly in the eye and introduce yourself with a firm handshake. You are not approaching aggressively or confrontationally, simply with confidence. If you’re not feeling confident, fake it. Poor eye contact and/or a limp handshake are sure to start things off on the wrong foot. Once the interview begins, maintain eye contact, but do not stare. If you start looking off into space, the interviewer may feel you are not that interested in the job. If you fix the interviewer with a piercing, locked gaze, he or she may become too uncomfortable to consider you for the position.

Remain Professional

Even if your interviewer is a nice person and you begin to feel very comfortable with them, remain with a professional demeanor at all times. Do not curse or use slang. Do not reveal embarrassing personal information, or any personal information beyond what you need to give the employer an idea of who you are and why you are well suited for the job. Do not ask the interviewer embarrassing or personal questions. Do not make comments about other staff members you may have met or other potential applicants.

If you follow the above advice, you will give yourself a good head start towards acing the interview. You will still have to demonstrate your skills and answer questions to the interviewer’s satisfaction, but you will have created an atmosphere that is conducive to a positive outcome.

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