Career Management and Job Search for Top Talent Blog

First impressions drive the interview.

A strong first impression dramatically increases the odds of getting the job. On the other hand, if you make a weak first impression you rarely get the job, regardless of how perfect a fit you may be. Our experience has been that candidates under estimate the first impression or completely ignore it. Either case spells disaster in the interview.

First impressions take only a second or two to make and hours to overcome if you ever get the chance. So here are a few things can do to ensure you make a strong first impression:

1) Dress for success. Whatever that is for your level and occupation you need to know. For professional level jobs we believe that even though most companies are casual you should still wear a business suit for the first interview.
2) Strong and firm handshake. Most people think they have this, but only about half really do. You need to test this with a person that will be truthful with you. Easy to fix, but few ever do.
3) Strong introduction with eye contact. Practice your introduction and make sure you have eye contact while saying it.
4) Small talk back to the office is important. You have to be comfortable with small ice breaker type talk. A good coach should be able to help you on this.
5) Body language. Sit up straight, so many people I interview think they are home watching a ball game with a beer in one hand. Look at the person when speaking to them. I have coached more people in an interview that they rarely looked at me while answering. I have never had one say back to me "Yes, I know" they all claim they are. So they don't have an awareness they are even doing this.
6) Speak slow and clearly. Pronounce your words clearly and slowly. The right pace of talk is consistent with the person interviewing you. If they speak fast you can too, if they are slow and thoughtful take your time, slow down and mirror them.

Few obvious things to me and to most candidates. Only thing is most don't realize the importance of these and as a result ignore them.

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