A Career Directed Solution
First Impressions Do C
Count.
ount. Here's how to make a good one.
Interviews only allow you a short time to establish a relationship, research has shown that more than
qualifications first impressions shape our perception of a person’s ability to do the job. So getting it right is
really crucial, follow these simple steps to make sure that you a leave a lasting impression for all the right
ri
reasons.
Dress to impress
Before you even open your mouth your interviewer will have made an initial impression on what you look like.
Make sure you dress appropriately to show you are serious about the role. A good pressed suit, clean shoes
and neat hair. If the environment is mor
moree casual then tone it down but still go for a smart appearance, jeans
only work in very few situations. Researching the company or asking the HR department is a good way to get a
steering of the dress code and remember even if it is a very casual organisat
organisation
ion it’s still important to look like
you’ve made an effort for the interview.
Be punctual
It’s worth doing a practice run prior to the interview so you know where you are going and have a rough idea
of timings. Leave plenty of margin but if you do turn up with a lot of time to spare go have a coffee rather than
sitting and waiting in reception. Turning up really early can be just as bad as late, it will only add to your nerves
and may make the interviewer feel rushed.
Confidence
Think about how you are going to meet your interviewers. You want them to believe you are confident, so
walk into the room make eye contact, say hello and offer out your hand for a ‘firm’ handshake. Prior to the
meeting make sure that your hands are free sso
o that you don’t end up fumbling around to put down papers or
Career Directed Solutions | First impressions do count. Here's how to make a good one.
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dropping items. A copy of your CV can be held in a bag (not too cluttered so that your items spill out when
retrieving it) or in a portfolio folder. Your mobile phone should be switched off to avoid the embarrassment of
calls during the interview.
Avoid using filler words
When we are nervous it’s common to use filler words such as ‘um’, ‘like’ and ‘well’ when we pause for thought.
These can highlight nerves and sound unprofessional when repeatedly used during an interview. Practice
answering questions with a friend or colleague and get them to flag every time you use a filler, you’ll soon get
out of the habit.
Do your homework
Be prepared to talk about yourself and the company that you want to work for. Your interviewer will be
expecting you to talk through your previous experience, this can be easily rehearsed so that you are fluent on
the day. Researching the company so you aware of what they do, where they sit in the marketplace and their
products and services is easily done by checking their website and searching news sites.
Career Directed Solutions | First impressions do count. Here's how to make a good one.
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