How to Get the Job with a Great First Impression

 

First impressions matter, and you don’t get a do-over. In fact, 33% of employers decide within 90 seconds of interviewing an applicant whether they will hire them, and a whopping 55% of first impressions center on how a person dresses, acts, and walks in to the room.

Here are some quick tips on how to make the best first impression possible. 

 

1. Dress the Part

Don’t show up to an interview or meeting in casual clothes. Avoid shorts, sandals, revealing outfits, and wrinkled clothing. Wear either business casual or business professional attire, and make sure to iron your clothes the day before. Avoid tacky jewelry or gaudy accessories. 

 

2. Make Good Eye Contact

Eye contact demonstrates confidence, honesty, and interest. Additionally, eye contact is a form of communication, and can transmit excitement and eagerness, or boredom and apathy. Avoiding eye contact is a huge turn off to potential employers and business partners and can make you appear to be distrustful. 

 

3. Focus on Your Body Language

Demonstrate good body language. Avoid slouching during interviews or meetings. Crossing your arms is another no-no, as it makes you appear closed off, distant, and anti-social. Make sure to smile when introducing yourself, and that your smile is genuine, warm, and inviting. 

 

4. Perfect Your Handshake

Studies have shown that a firm handshake strongly influences first impressions. A firm handshake demonstrates positive characteristics employers and business partners seek, such as extroversion, openness to new experiences, and likability. Handshakes are commonplace in the business world and play a strong role in leaving a positive, and memorable, first impression. 

 

5. Show Up Early, But Not Too Early

Punctuality and showing up on time for interviews and business meetings is a must. But beware: coming more than 10 minutes early will leave a negative impression. 

 

6. Communicate Effectively

When interviewing for a job or attempting to close a business deal, try not to speak too fast or too slow, and base your communication style and presentation off the person you are speaking with. Avoid using words to make yourself “sound smart.” Make sure your tone is appropriate and does not sound stern or unfriendly. 

 

7. Come Prepared

Learn who you are meeting with and make sure you understand their objective, mission, and purpose. You will be asked why you want to work for them, and failing to prepare for such common and expected questions leaves a poor impression.

 

With the number of employees far exceeding the number of available jobs, creating a great first impression will help you succeed in your job search.  How you walk, talk, dress, and even shake hands can lead to your greatest success, or most heartbreaking failure. Interviewing etiquette is essential, and if you are struggling to leave a favorable and memorable first impression, consider contacting The Reserves Network for assistance to make sure your best you is what people see when meeting you.