Studies have shown that most people form an opinion about
another's ability or competence within the first two
minutes, and as much as 93% of a person's communication
effectiveness is determined by style ¬ how someone
comes across. In today's tight job market making a good
impression is not only desirable - it is essential.
A look at a worst and a best-case scenario illustrates the
point.
Worst Case
Jack is nervous about his interview as he sits in the
lobby. Anyone watching can see the signs ¬ his foot is
tapping rapidly, he is muttering to himself (obviously
rehearsing his lines). He is slouched down in his chair.
When he spots the interviewer coming down the hall he
begins to wipe his sweaty hand on his pant leg. He stands,
but as he does the magazine on his lap falls to the floor.
When he bends to pick it up, he knocks over his portfolio
and papers fall out. The interviewer stands to the side
observing his behavior. She is thinking to herself, "This
guy is a basket case. He doesn't look like the kind of
person we want representing our product line." When Jack
does pull himself together, he holds out his hand, but his
handshake is weak. This interview is already headed in the
wrong direction.
Best Case
Joann feels prepared and confident as she waits in the
lobby for her interviewer. She knows she looks good, and,
as a result, she feels good. She has practiced and
prepared, and knows she can do this job. She will
concentrate on selling herself as the solution to the
employer's problems. As her interviewer approaches she
stands and smiles looking directly in his direction. She
notices the color of his eyes as she extends her hand. She
gives a firm shake and smiles. "This is a very confident
woman. Someone who shows real promise," is the thought
going through the interviewer's mind. The first impression
has been made ¬ and it is a positive one.
The Drill
It is important that your interview get off to a good
start. The following seven steps or "two-minute drill" will
guide you toward a best-case interview scenario.
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 by 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 ¬ shoulders back and head held high.
Picture a successful screen star or TV announcer ¬ and
mimic their carriage.
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. Whether
your hands are hot and sweaty or cold and clammy, you can
try some tricks to control the temperature. To cool your
hands try running cold water on the insides of your wrists.
Use hot water if your hands are cool. If you have
particularly sweaty hands try using a deodorant gel
(antiperspirant) as a lotion. Your hands will feel soft and
smell good.
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 a whisper 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 your first impression with someone you trust to
give you objective feedback. Use a checklist to remind
yourself how to handle this first encounter. You are there
to make a sale - an important sale - and the product you
are selling is YOU. When you get off on the right foot the
interview will flow easily. This is one impression you
cannot leave to chance.
----------------------------------------------------
Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Coach, is a
celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you
interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her
FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting
Carole on the web at The Interview Coach
http://www.interviewcoach.com
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