5 WAYS TO MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION
Whether you’re a fresh graduate, industry veteran or are re-entering the workforce - first impressions create a level playing field for any job applicant and really are imperative to having a successful interview. It takes about 7-15 seconds to make an initial impression, leaving no time to be making mistakes. Once people form their opinions of you, it is difficult to change them.
Will they like my vibe?
Are the skills I present a reflection of what I can achieve or what the employer is looking for?
But what if I don’t get a chance or enough time to demonstrate my experience and achievements?
And so the big question... how can job seekers make the most of the first impression they make? Considering you don’t (usually) get a second chance to make a first impression, here are our top 5 tips to help you ACE it the first-time, every time.
1. Show up, and dress up
Most of us live fairly busy and scheduled lives as it is; so, showing up to an interview or meeting early (whether that be in person or online) is an instant reflection of your punctuality and organisational abilities. Being on time is also a sign of respect to the individual who has specifically put time aside for you, amongst what is usually a busy and tight schedule they run by. It also shows you’re reliable.
What you wear to an interview is a BIG first impression game changer; and is one of the first initial judgements an interviewer will make of you. Ensure that you wear pressed and sharp looking clothing; consider wearing the colours that work best for your hair and complexion.
Check out how to choose clothing that best suits your appearance here, and take a look at Indeed’s guide to business attire for some inspiration for your next interview. Wear minimal jewellery and for guys, shoes are everything. Bonus points for matching belt! For women, make sure your nails are clean and either freshly polished or free of polish.
In a time where working from home has become a newfound normality, interviews from home shouldn’t be an excuse for dressing in your casual clothing or your go-to at home oversized jumper; which unfortunately won’t cut it for a potential professional career opportunity. Ladies; this one’s for you, and check out this article to find out how outfit colour choices can give you a competitive advantage over other candidates.
2. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.
Interviews can be nerve-racking and a BIG unknown. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Preparation beforehand will completely transform your confidence going into an interview; how you concisely covey your ideas, experiences, abilities and achievements without waffling on and boring out the interviewer. Consider some back-to-basics techniques in your practice like eye contact, positive gestures, voice tone and fluency; which can really professionalise your interview approach and demonstrate that you can fit right into their culture.
What if they ask a question, I haven’t even considered the answer to?
And what if I say the wrong thing in response?
Any well-prepared response can be adapted based on what you are being asked.
Work smarter, not harder! IMPower Coaching have made nailing interview preparation techniques a while lot easier.
3. Do your homework
When I was an HR Director for a telecommunications company, my Senior Recruiter taught me how to test the candidates by asking “What did you think of our website?”. This tells the interviewer very quickly whether the candidate spent any time researching their prospective employer. Even recently a client struck a conversation with his interviewer about his interest in his love for the Aussie cricket team, which was displayed in his LinkedIn profile.
If you’ve won an interview, your resume has done its job and proven you have the technical skills to do the job. Now they want to know if you’re a great fit – so try to research the culture, any news articles about the company and the company’s products and market segments. This is sure to impress the interviewers.
4. Ask great questions
Why not make the most of a final opportunity to make a lasting impression? Asking questions in an interview can reinforce to an employer your knowledge and suitability to the role. It’s also a great way to find out more specific details about the role and if this opportunity fits in with your goals and ideals; showcase that you’ve invested your own time into thinking about the position!
Some questions to consider asking:
What are the top 3 challenges I would be facing if I were successful in landing this role?
What are the most important qualities that are required for this role?
Why do you love working for this institution?
Do you have any hesitation about me performing the role?
5. Gratitude.
“The quality of being thankful”. Showing appreciation for someone’s time is a genuine way to make a good first impression. Great ways to express gratitude could include:
Thanking the interviewer for their time in person - at the commencement of an interview
If you’re in a room, it seems so small but offering to help pick up the water glasses to return to the kitchen goes a long way.
Send a follow up email after the interview on the same day or next day. You can thank them again for taking the time to interview you and state 1 or 2 lines of why you would be excited to land the role – this could relate to something they shared with you or why you are passionate about the industry or company’s future.
If you don’t have email contact info, send a LinkedIn request with a personal message thanking them for their time and that “I hope our paths cross again”.
In closing, I’ve had a few clients recently who told me these comments:
One Senior Hiring Manager told the interviewee over zoom, “Thank you SO much for dressing up for our interview today. We really appreciate it!”
Another interviewer responded to the interviewee’s question of ‘do you have any hesitation about me performing the role’ – “Wow” - Bonus points for originality as no one has ever asked me that!”
So best of luck to you if you are interviewing. If you need some practice or further advice, hop onto the IMPower Coaching website and find out more on doing a “mock” job interview.