A first impression is a lasting one, and it’s important to make those first interactions count. You need to convey your ability to fit the company culture almost immediately, and you’ll have all eyes on you. Don’t let the pressure get to you by preparing with the following tips on how to turn those first few moments into a great first impression.
Be Punctual
Critical to making a good first impression is actually making sure you’re on time to make it. Always aim to arrive about 7-10 minutes before your interview. This leaves enough time to be checked in, and gives you a few minutes to make conversation and gather your thoughts before heading in for your interview. You never want to be late. It doesn’t make for a good first impression if the receptionist is calling your name for the interview and you haven’t arrived yet.
Come Prepared
Along with being punctual, you also want to ensure that you have everything you need in order to conduct your interview. Being on time is great, but it doesn’t matter much if you’re not prepared. Double check that you have any work examples of your experience, and TRIPLE check that you brought along your resume. Take inventory of your interview essentials the night before and have them laid out so they are easy to find on your way out the door.
Dress for Success
Ah yes, we’ve all heard it a million times and there’s a reason for that: it’s true. How you present yourself and the way you look is the first thing people notice when meeting you. You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re under-dressed for an occasion, and the same goes for being over-dressed. Get a feel for the culture of the company and how the people who already work there dress. If you see nicely pressed suits, then wear your best dress clothes. If you see a more relaxed vibe (i.e. jeans, hoodies, shirts etc.) then you can dress down but always stick to a business casual look at the very least. It’s typically best to be over-dressed rather than under-dressed.
Be Nice to People You Interact With
Something that employers pay special attention to is the testimony of their own employees, especially in regards to new candidates. Word travels fast in the workplace and one bad interaction with a receptionist can trickle down and have an impact on the outcome of your interview. Always be sure to be kind and patient with everyone you interact with while waiting for and conducting your interview (as well as in general).
Stay off your Phone
When you go in for your interview you want to be sure that you are giving your full attention to the interviewer and everyone you meet before you get to them. That means staying off your phone. I know, it sounds hard. Many of us use our phones as a way to distance ourselves from conversation. Pulling out your phone tells the world “I don’t want to talk to you”. Instead, keep the phone in your pocket and be prepared to make conversation with the people around you. Remember when we said to be nice to people because news of bad interactions travels fast? Well, the same goes for good interactions; so put the phone away and make some friendly conversation!
Be Organized
Nothing makes you look less professional than juggling your resume and notepad and scrambling to find things you needed to bring with you for your interview. It’s sloppy and doesn’t give your interviewer a lot of confidence in your ability to handle a fast paced environment. Always make sure you are organized and neat in your presentation and transportation of your interview essentials. Consider using a portfolio that can hold your resume, a notepad and pen, and your business cards if necessary.
Be Confident
Having a confident demeanor is crucial to making a good first impression. Smiling, good posture and making steady eye contact goes a long way in impressing your interviewer. You’re talking about yourself and your experience: you should be confident! If you don’t look like you believe in yourself, how can you expect your recruiter to? Try making steady eye contact, speaking with conviction, avoiding time-buying words like “um” or “like”, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Having confidence in your abilities makes your interview more engaging, and therefore more memorable for the interviewer.
–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiting Assistant