6 Keys to Making the Right Impression in an Interview
by Ross Macpherson, President, Career Quest
Key #1: Look Professional
The old cliché "Dress for success" holds a lot of truth to it. How you appear can say a lot about you, your attitude, and your professionalism. You don't have to look like a runway model, but you should look clean, polished, and professional:
- Have at least three different interview outfits available (i.e. avoids the same suit appearing twice with the same Interviewer)
- A suit is not always the best option, so think of it this way: dress one level above what you would be wearing if you worked there (i.e. obviously, this can differ depending on the company)
- Buy a nice briefcase/ portfolio and a nice pen
- Pay attention to your grooming and avoid perfume or cologne
- Pay attention to the details, like shoes, nails, etc. (men, especially, tend to neglect the importance of a nice pair of polished shoes)
Key #2. Arrive in Style
Use this rule: your first impression starts the moment you step on the company's property. It's not uncommon for an Interviewer to ask the receptionist, or anyone else you may have met, for their first impressions of you:
- Remember the Gatekeeper - greet the Receptionist with the same smile and enthusiasm your would greet the Interviewer
- Stand up when greeted by the Interviewer - do not remain seated
- Greet the Interviewer with a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile
Key #3. Build Rapport
It's a simple fact that people tend to hire people they like, so feel free to build a little rapport you're your Interviewer. Make a connection:
- Take advantage of initial opportunities to chit chat - the worst thing you could do is to walk down a long corridor with the Interviewer and not say a thing!
- Be friendly, congenial, and open
- Smile
Key #4. Remember Your Physicality
While your words and tone of voice are obviously very important, you physicality / body language actually accounts for 65% of what you communicate:
- Be careful with fidgeting and other mannerisms - practice answering questions in front of a friend or spouse, ask them to look for any distracting physical habits, and work to minimize or eliminate them
- Sit up straight (but not stiff), make eye contact, and smile
- Practice "mirroring" - the subtle art of relating to, and mirroring, the Interviewer's physicality
Key #5. Answer Their Question
Sounds obvious, but if you're out of practice, especially nervous, or you haven't prepared properly, you may start to ramble or go off on an unrelated tangent. Stay focused and simply provide them with the answers they need:
- Listen carefully to the question
- If you feel yourself wandering with your answer, or you're not certain whether you've provided the right information, feel free to ask them ("Have I answered your question?")
- Make their job easier - if you answer their questions directly, they won't have to keep asking you, and the interview will go more quickly and smoothly (for both of you!)
Key #6. Remember "The First 3 Minutes" and "The Last 3 Minutes"
You want to arrive and leave on a positive note. The first three minutes and the last three minutes are key:
- Make your first impression a great impression - show your personality, confidence, and enthusiasm for the position
- Make your last impression a great impression - end on a powerful note by reiterating your interest, ability, and desire to make a difference.and then thank them with a smile!
© 2002 Ross Macpherson
About the Author
Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and a Career Success Coach who has helped thousands of motivated professionals advance their careers. To receive more valuable career advice, sign up to join his monthly newsletter "Career Quest Café" by visiting www.yourcareerquest.com.
NOTE: You're more than welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains intact and unaltered (including the "About the Author" info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to ross@yourcareerquest.com
