First Impressions · Sep 09, 10:15 AM
If you have been in the job market recently, you have become aware of the fact that quality jobs and working situations are at a minimum. What can you do as a business professional to give yourself every advantage at your disposal in order to get the job which you both want and deserve?
Let’s take a moment to consider what it is that will actually get you hired. I’m quite sure you have spent a considerable amount of time on a resume, or at least spent a bit of time mentally reviewing your past work experience and qualifications. Your resume, references, and diplomas will only serve to get you to the next, and probably the most important phase of securing a job – the interview.
Let me take a moment to talk to about your resume first. I have seen a lot of resumes, some so exquisite and so well done, you would almost want to hire them just from the resume. And then there are some that look like an elementary student did it. It does not reflect their qualifications and is very poorly done. This is the first piece of information Employers see. If you are unable to put this together yourself, find someone that can assist you. There are also a lot of resources on the web that give you formats and correct ways of setting up a professional resume. Take the time to do it correctly.
A positive and successful interview is not a matter of any secret technique, or some mystical form of magic. Plain and simply, a personal interview allows you the chance for your prospective employer to see and talk with you, and decide if you will bring the skills, professional attitudes and methods they need for their business. They want to see you as an answer to their needs.
Let’s take a minute to consider some facts. Communication statistics reveal that in only five to thirty seconds, three things are decided about you, whether they are true or false. 1) Your economic status 2) your education level, and 3) your desirability. Most people like to be associated with winners. Therefore, well dressed and well groomed individuals are always granted more opportunities for success. This one is a no-brainer! The phrase “First Impression” definitely applies to this portion of the interview as many interviewers have already set an impression of you, right or wrong. Its human nature to draw a semi conclusion; be proactive and make the best impression you can knowing this.
Dress professional at each interview even if you know the dress code is casual. Making a grand entrance in a tank top, flip flops, or other such inappropriate clothing, and snapping your gum, will almost certainly send a negative message to the interviewer. They will go through the motions of conducting a half interview with you, say thank you for your time and dismiss you quickly with a “We will let you”. Look your best! Good grooming, tasteful appearance, and a general well kept appearance will help to make you feel confident and self assured.
Know what you are saying before even speaking a word. The use of slang, inappropriate language, or muttering a lot of “umms”, “errrs”, and “you knows”, will turn off the interviewer almost as quick as the flip flop/tank top outfit, so be conscious of how you are presenting yourself through your words. Try not to answer with simple a yes or no. Take the opportunity to explain whenever possible with out going into long dissertations. The interviewer wants you to be convincing. Be honest with the interviewer. If you do not understand a question, or need time to think about it, say so! It is much better to give a quality answer, than to blurt out anything that comes to mind.
Finally, don’t let yourself fall into the trap of being too friendly or too personal. I had an applicant go out on an interview with one of my clients. She was qualified for the position and fit the profile. While on the interview she became too comfortable and told the client “Your so nice that I feel more like friends that employee and employer. At that point the potential employer put the brakes on. This very qualified candidate was not asked back. Be personable without crossing the line but always remember to maintain a level of professionalism.
Lastly, let’s not forget the basics.
• Arrive on time. Leave yourself an extra 10 minutes or so when you get there to fill out any required forms.
• Don’t leave any blanks and only attach your resume if requested. Please, please, please do not write on the application “see resume”. We see some applicants write that on a forms and it drives me crazy. There is a reason questions have been put on the form – complete the application in full.
• Do not bring children or friends with you to your interview. Believe it or not I have had applicants bring children, mothers, fathers and best friends. If you are old enough to work you are old enough to go on an interview alone. If you need to have someone take you please have them wait outside; I can assure you this is a big red flag. We have refused to see candidates that do this and even hesitate to reschedule them. Not being able to attend an interview alone is very unprofessional.
• Refrain from making negative comments about previous employers. Everyone has had a bad experience with an employer and there is not a single prospective employer who wants to hear you bash someone. If asked why you are no longer with a previous employer, answer in a dignified, respectful and positive tone. Provide factual information and avoid speculation.
• If you absolutely must cancel an appointment, do so in a timely fashion. Be aware that the office you are scheduled to interview with has set aside time reserved for the explicit purpose of possibly hiring you. Canceling ten minutes before your scheduled appointment, or having a friend or family member call to cancel for you is not only rude – it is clearly unprofessional.
This information should give you a better view of the interview process and prepare you to go out, put your best foot forward and get that job. If you need any other tips, advice or have any questions, you can always call us to lend a helping hand. We have several resources for more interview tips and techniques which are yours for the asking. Exude confidence, look successful, talk successful, act successful, and guess what? You will be a great success!
Till next time!
— Judy
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