The job interview: Making a great first impression
Ken Pelczarski | TLT Career Coach January 2017
The last phase of the hiring process often depends on the first. Follow these steps and you’ll get off to a good start.
© Can Stock Photo / edharcanstock
CALLING ON A PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER, making a new friend, reporting to a newly hired boss, going on a first date, interviewing for a new career opportunity. What do these situations have in common? They all involve a goal to make a great first impression with the hope of establishing a rewarding long-term relationship.
To illustrate the importance of first impressions, a recent LinkedIn report states that 33% of employers know in the first 90 seconds of a job interview if they are likely to pursue hiring that candidate, while 48% of employers know in the first five minutes.
Your personality, attitude and motivation will largely surface in the first few minutes of a job interview. Although it is difficult to quickly prove your ability to do the job, the employer will be able to evaluate how likeable and professional you are during the first few minutes of your interview.
We do not always get second chances in life, and it can be difficult to turn around an initial negative impression. Thus, it is important to be aware of actions and preparation such as those listed below that should result in making a great first impression.
1. Wear proper attire.
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Try to learn what attire is expected by the employer.
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Err on the side of overdressing.
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Formal/professional attire is best, even if the employer dresses casual.
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Be conservative as opposed to trendy.
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Stay away from bright-colored clothing.
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Alert the employer ahead of time that you will be dressed casual in case you do not have time to change clothes coming right from work or from meeting with a customer.
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Dress the same for a telephone interview to be in the right mindset.
2. Appear well groomed.
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Clean shaven.
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Neat hair.
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Clean make-up without bright colors.
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Pay close attention to personal hygiene.
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Minimum cologne or perfume.
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No visible piercing or tattoos.
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No large jewelry statements.
3. Be punctual.
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Obtain reliable directions in advance.
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Do a trial run if location may be difficult to find.
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Call if you are running a few minutes late.
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Emergencies are the only acceptable reason to be late.
4. Greet with a smile.
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Demonstrate you are a friendly and likeable person.
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Show you are happy to be there for the interview.
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Greet all employees you meet with a smile.
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Even employees not part of the interview team may have influence and make comments to the hiring team if you are disrespectful, angry or unfriendly.
5. Offer firm handshake.
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Reach out promptly to greet.
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Display sincere excitement to meet the employer.
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Firm handshake shows self-assurance and confidence.
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Weak handshake is a turn off to most employers.
6. Come prepared.
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Bring at least one copy of resume per interviewer.
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Bring other pertinent documents such as list of accomplishments, honors and awards, proof of education and certifications, commendation letters, references, recommendation letters, list of publications/presentations/patents and restrictive covenants (context of interview discussion will determine if you present these documents).
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Study job description.
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Research the company.
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Research interview team.
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Taking all these actions will help the employer realize you are well prepared, knowledgeable, interested and organized.
7. Maintain good eye contact.
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Shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
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Employer will see you as attentive and focused.
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You will be viewed as a good listener assuming there is a 50/50 information exchange.
8. Demonstrate good posture.
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Sit erect.
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Refrain from touching face and hair.
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Limit hand gestures.
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Avoid fidgeting.
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Do not cross arms against chest.
9. Display a positive attitude.
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Employers rank attitude very highly when considering who to hire.
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My April 2016 survey of lubricant industry hiring managers published in the July 2015 TLT magazine drew 47 completed responses in which attitude was ranked as the No. 2 factor in deciding who to hire when there are multiple equally qualified candidates.
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Do not speak negatively about past co-workers, bosses and employers.
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Stick to facts instead of subjective or emotional statements about recent employment.
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Focus on the positive and what was gained from past employment situations that did not fit your career goals.
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A positive attitude is viewed as good for company morale and productivity.
10. Show interest, enthusiasm and motivation.
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In the first few minutes of an interview, it is much easier to express your interest in the company and position than it is to prove you can do the job.
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Show passion for your career.
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Interest/motivation is half the battle in getting the job offer (other half is experience and capabilities).
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My April 2016 survey of lubricant industry hiring managers indicated that 43 of 47 employers would rather hire an individual with 50% of required skill set and outstanding motivation and record of success than an individual with 90% of required skill set and average motivation and record of success.
11. Exude confidence.
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Speak in a clear, direct and concise manner.
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Display open and positive body language.
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Carry yourself confidently (alert, happy, interested, engaged).
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Answer the
tell me about yourself question confidently and succinctly.
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Emphasize you know what you want to do next in your career path and why.
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Stress your ability to do the job (as you know it thus far).
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Display eagerness to make a big contribution.
12. Be yourself.
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Relax and be candid about your true self.
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You want to be hired for who you are, which will increase likelihood of long-term employment.
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Be sincere in your presentation at all times.
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Employers will appreciate if you speak from the heart about your career goals and interests.
Employers tend to have many pet peeves with job candidates in the interview process, with a significant majority of these pet peeves being applicable to the first impression stage. My April 2016 survey of lubricant industry hiring managers displayed that six of the nine biggest pet peeves of employers are related to the first impression stage. In my survey, employers were asked to name their top three pet peeves in the job interview process that might cause them to reject the candidate. In order of response frequency, listed below are the top six pet peeves that relate to first impression of a candidate during an interview:
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Lack of preparation.
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Poorly dressed and/or not well groomed.
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Poor attitude.
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Unable to maintain eye contact.
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Late for interview.
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Apathy/lack of enthusiasm.
It is important to put your best foot forward from the first moment of the interview because of the value employers place on first impressions. Interview from start to finish as if the job is one you truly desire. The main objective is to receive a job offer. You can turn it down in the end, but you want the decision to be in your hands.
Make a great first impression in a job interview and you will be one giant step closer to receiving a job offer.
Ken Pelczarski is owner and founder of Pelichem Associates, a Chicago-based search firm established in 1985 and specializing in the lubricants industry. You can reach Ken at (630) 960-1940 or at pelichem@aol.com.