Interviews and First Impressions
What Impression Are You Making?
Image is everything. The image you present has a lot to do with how you are viewed in the eyes of others. Your image is conveyed through a number of mediums. Yes, clothing and grooming are a part of this, however attitude, emotions, professionalism, attention to details, and communications are also integral parts of image.
There are many signals one sends either consciously or unconsciously during the interview process. These are picked up by a good interviewer. These unspoken words, which are in truth a collection of the image you portray, have much more to do with the final decision of who will be hired than you may realize.
Although we are often told how important it is to be professionally groomed for an interview, it is more important to be realistically dressed for your profession.
If you are applying for an entry level position wearing executive-type clothing, you are not appropriately dressed. You may come across as a threat to the interviewer. If you are a construction worker who arrives in a suit – you are not ready to go to work, and that sends a strong message to that foreman. You obviously couldn’t be serious about your trade. You definitely are not seasoned in the trade, only a “newbie” would come thus dressed. You won’t be taken seriously. No matter how good of a tradesman you are, you don’t look the part, probably you won’t act the part. Realistic attire speaks to ones professionalism.
Attitude and emotions are so important. The accomplished interviewee never loses sight of this. Role play for a moment, you become the interviewer: which one of these two people would you tend to want working in your office?
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Cheri – young, educated, willing. A nice smile and a confident walk, not over dressed, not under dressed. Able to communicate correctly (not too much, not too little, none of those uncomfortable pauses, doesn’t cut people off, not too loud, not too quiet). Feels comfortable and allows you to feel comfortable. Doesn’t “suck up” to you, but also doesn’t act like you are superior to her. Strong resume too. Nicely laid out, nice paper, concise.
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Jenny – young, educated, reserved. Doesn’t smile much– if at all. Walks with slumped shoulders and a slow gait. Seems a bit tired. Thoughtfully slow when communicating, attire is not bad — shoes seem a bit odd maybe (does she have a foot problem, perhaps?) doesn’t offer much information on her own, answers questions inadequately. A nice resume, a bit generic maybe, but overall, not too bad . . . and she does seem pleasant . . .
More than likely, you chose Cheri. She had a good look, a proper attitude, good communication skills. She appeared professional and that means her ability to pay attention to details is there on some level, which was also present in her resume.
It can be challenging when one is nervous to present themselves as forthrightly as they should. However, some nervousness is expected by most interviewers. They can see the difference between a person’s general nervousness and the habitual way a person tends to project themselves. Keep in mind as well that most good interviewers are a little concerned if they don’t see some nervousness – even if only slightly displayed. It is only natural that if you are taking the interview seriously.
Thus to make a good first impression. Take some time to be brutally honest with yourself in the mirror. What attitude and emotions are you projecting? Are you realistic with your attire? Have you done your homework and know what to talk about in the interview? Can you comfortably put another at ease with a confident smile or quick response? Practice and hone these skills and you will appear much more like the person that should get the job.
Tags: attitude, image, interviews