We’re always told not to judge a book by
its cover, but unfortunately, most people do. This is especially true of your
potential employer(s) when you go for a job interview. Yes, it’s nerve-wracking
and yes, it’s hard to act completely natural, but there are still plenty of
ways in which you can leave a great first impression (and hopefully get the
job!).
Dress
the part
The key thing to think about when you’re
frantically searching your wardrobe looking for something to wear is this:
dress for the job you want. Appropriate attire for ladies is either a smart
dress or an interview appropriate blouse with a skirt or trousers, and men
should wear a suit and tie. Women should keep make-up to a minimum, and both
men and women need to bear in mind that less is more when it comes to
fragrance, you don’t want to over-do it!
The
handshake
A person’s handshake actually says a lot
about them. If your potential boss doesn’t offer their hand, the rule is to
offer yours anyway as a way of letting them know that you’re pleased to meet
their acquaintance (and to make clear fact that you didn’t forget the manners
your mother gave you!). Handshakes should be firm, but not too firm. If you
only offer a loose handshake, it may come across as a bit half-hearted. And an
overly-firm handshake is a bit too eager, not to mention it makes you seem
slightly, well, crazy.
Make
eye contact
Nerves can get the better of our facial
expressions sometimes, and we can forget to perform simple acts of friendliness
such as smiling and maintaining eye contact. The latter is of extreme
importance. If you don’t make eye contact, you will not make a good first
impression. Averted eyes portray you to be nervous (which you might well be,
but they don’t need to know that), and often ignorant as well. If you’re not
giving eye contact whilst listening to your potential employer, they will take
it that you’re not listening, and that does not a good impression make.
Smile
Smiling is also very important. You won’t
make a good impression if you don’t look like a friendly and approachable
person. You don’t need to plaster a great big grin on your face from start to
finish, that would make you look weird, but flashing a smile when you first
meet your prospective boss and at regular intervals whilst they’re talking to
you will have them thinking you’re lovely. Before you start looking for jobs, you
should sort out your smile if you’re not happy with it. If you’ve had dental
treatment such as Six
Month Smiles, your smile is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Say
thank you
After getting through a job interview, the
chances are you just want to rush out of the door and find the nearest pub.
However, a brief goodbye and quick exit will not leave a good impression with
your potential employer and colleagues. You should thank the interviewer(s) for
taking the time to speak to you and offering you the opportunity to learn more
about the company, and let them know that you’re available if they have any
follow-up questions.
No comments:
Post a Comment