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First Impressions

One of the easiest ways to fail an interview is to create a bad first impression. This is very difficult to overcome if not impossible. Therefore make a good first impression:

Dress conservatively rather than casually. You can ‘dress down’ a formal outfit, but you have no hope of ‘dressing up’ an outfit that is too casual. Smart business dress is the general rule, unless your research has shown you that the dress code is different in the organisation or department you are approaching. Your outfit may not be the most fashionable thing in your wardrobe, but if you feel comfortable in it, and it is appropriately smart, it will increase your self confidence, and thereby give you a positive attitude upon reaching the interview.

Fragrances other than mild ones should be avoided, whether perfume or after-shave. The choice of a fragrance is very personal, you may love the smell, but it may evoke negative memories or reactions in the stranger who is about to interview you.

Punctuality is important, make sure you know where the interview location is and how long it will take you to get there. Aim to arrive about ten minutes early, if you arrive too early you may put pressure on those who are going to see you. Ten minutes gives you time to relax and check your appearance, as well as read any corporate literature in reception (if you have not already read it) and absorb the look and feel of the organisation. You can learn a great deal about another organisation by seeing how well you are received.

Be polite and personable to everyone you encounter. People hire people they like and whom their staff like. The less qualified person may get a position over a more qualified person who does not seem to care about people. You are being interviewed as soon as you walk into the building, the person you pass in the corridor or in the lift may be part of the interview process. Be sure to be pleasant and friendly to the support staff, their comments may well be enlisted as part of the selection process.

Body language is important, up to 70% of the communication between people is transmitted non-verbally (not spoken). Attention to what you wear and how you feel is therefore vital. The more relaxed and confident you feel, the more that confidence will be conveyed to the other person. Practice relaxation techniques, which work for you, so that the impression you are conveying is a positive one. Ask a friend or colleague to tell you if you betray any tell tale nervous mannerisms, and work on any obviously awkward ones.