Seven Steps Toward Making a Good Impression In a Job Interview

Seven Steps Toward Making a Good Impression In a Job Interview
When you get started on the right foot the interview will
flow easily. This is one impression you cannot leave to
chance.

1. Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good.
Make sure you look groomed and neat. If you were a book,
would someone be attracted to your "cover" and want to
pursue you further?

2. Your clothes and accessories should be conservative and
neutral, rather than wild and loud. Your clothes are your
packaging and should not take attention away from the
product.

3. Non-Verbal Communication sometimes conveys a stronger
message than verbal communication. When you slouch, whether
you're sitting or standing, you are saying volumes about
you and your confidence level. Sit up straight (like your
mother always told you to). When you stand make yourself as
tall as possible with ¬ shoulders back and head held
high.

4. Eye contact and smiles can indicate a confident and
upbeat attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask
for "enthusiasm and energy." This is a good opportunity to
demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills, as well
as your excitement about the opportunity you are
interviewing for.

5. The handshake sends a strong tactile message. If you
have particularly sweaty hands try using a deodorant gel
(anti-perspirant) as a lotion. Your hands will feel soft
and smell good. Try this before the interview to see if it
works for you.

It is important that your grip demonstrates confidence. A
firm handshake, not a bone-crushing grip, will indicate
self-assurance. Reach your hand out palm sideways and grip
the hand, web to web. Try it, you will see that your hand
closes over the palm of the hand. When you squeeze the
fingers, it can hurt, especially if you are wearing rings.

6. Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong
impression. Whether it is a phone interview or a
face-to-face interview, it is important that you speak with
enthusiasm and energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate your
confidence. If you speak in low tones the impact will be
weak and ineffective.

7. Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and
ability to interface with people ¬especially people
you've not met before. The words you choose will indicate
your education and training, as well as your knowledge of
the industry you are applying for. It is important to use
"their" words and talk "their" talk.

Practice the impression you are making with someone you
trust to give you objective feedback. You are at the
interview to make a sale - an important sale - and the
product you are selling is YOU.

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Carole Martin is America's #1 Interview Coach. Celebrated
author, trainer, and mentor, Carole can give you
interviewing tips like no one else can. Her workbook,
"Interview Fitness Training" has sold thousands of copies
world-wide. Sign Up to Receive Free Weekly Interview Tips
at http://www.interviewcoach.com