So, you've been given the opportunity to interview for a dream role. You are keen to make a great impression and secure the job. You may think your experience will determine whether you get the role; but remember, how you present yourself is also critical. From the minute you walk into the interview room you are being judged. If you do not make a good impression, the interviewer may not care about or even give you the chance to explain your experience. Follow these steps to create a positive impression:
1. Preparation
Research the company you are interviewing with. Go to your interview with a good understanding of the organisation, and with a few intelligent questions to show you have done your homework.
You should also prepare some sample answers to behavioural questions. Interviewers love to ask: "Tell me a time when you handled..." Try to recall some pertinent times in your employment history when you have solved specific problems so you are prepared for these questions.
Make sure you take a presentation folder with your resume, a note pad and two pens to all interviews. A black leather or vinyl presentation folder will make a professional impression.
Plan how you are going to get to the interview so you are not late on the day. Leave time for traffic or public transport delays. Your ability to get to the interview on time reflects your reliability and punctuality.
2. Presentation
Plan in advance what you are going to wear so you do not have to make any last minute wardrobe choices on the day. Unless you are going for a role in fashion, it is best to dress conservatively and respectfully.
Men: A suit and tie with well polished shoes (the little details can make a big impression). Neat haircut. Cleanly or neatly shaven.
Women: A black skirt or pants and a shirt works well. To be on the safe side, wear closed toed shoes and stick to neutral colours. If wearing a skirt, make sure you wear pantyhose. Hair should be neat and tidy. Make-up should be "natural".
A note of warning - body odour can be a big turn off to an interviewer. Strong perfumes can be equally distracting. Also, if you are a smoker and prone to having a cigarette before an interview to calm your nerves, think again. You may not realise it, but the interviewer, in the small interview room, can smell the smoke on your breath and, fair or not, it may sway them against hiring you.
3. Etiquette
Some very simple gestures can make a great impression in an interview.
Always stand to greet the interviewer and use their name. Shake hands when offered.
Maintain eye contact throughout the interview and show you are interested.
Make sure your mobile phone is off. Never, ever answer the phone in the middle of the interview.
Allow the interviewer to lead the interview. Ask the key questions you have previously prepared when the interviewer gives you the opportunity.
Always end the interview by thanking the interviewer for their time. Never put the interviewer on the spot by asking their impressions of the interview; they will get back to you when they are ready.
Do not make a bad impression with a faux pas that you could have easily avoided. Do all of the above well and you pave the way for your experience to shine. Good luck with your interview!
No comments:
Post a Comment