At Interviews, First Impressions Do Count!

We all know that first impressions have a powerful impact. At job interviews, the employer’s first impression of you may be the deciding factor in whether or not you land the job. Here are some top performance tips:
1. Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Give yourself extra time for unexpected traffic difficulties. Use the waiting period before the interview to freshen up.
2. Be courteous to everyone you meet, including the receptionist. Maintain a friendly demeanor.
3. Dress appropriately for the job. Your attire should be clean, conservative, and wrinkle-free. Avoid wearing heavy colognes and perfumes.
4. Wait to sit until the interviewer offers you a chair or is seated. Try to select a seat directly across from the interviewer.
5. Treat the interviewer as a potential co-worker and show respect.
6. Make direct eye contact with the interviewer. Greet everyone you meet with a warm smile, firm handshake, and direct eye contact.
7. Maintain an open body position. Incline toward the interviewer to show interest.
8. Limit the amount of personal information you provide unless it is pertinent to the job position.
9. Focus on your assets, experience, and skills, and remember that you can make a valuable contribution to the company.
10. Ask questions about the company and the job responsibilities. Show interest and enthusiasm.
11. At the end of the interview, say “thank you,” give a firm handshake, and ask what are the next steps. Later during the day, send a thank you note to the interviewer to reiterate your interest in the position and to let them know you will contact them again soon.
An initial impression has more of an impact than most people realize. Your goal is to create an image of someone who is confident, professional, and gracious. Use the interview to your advantage by making a positive first impression, which sets a favorable tone for the course of the interview.

Kelly Garrett has built a successful career both online and offline, and has savvy tips on the best online jobsites, career resources, working with recruiters, and more. Go to (http://www.jobmedley.com) to find great jobs, resumes, career tools, and resources, and more.