Did you know that you may have just seven seconds to create a first impression when you meet someone new? Studies have shown that many people make judgements about the people they meet within seven to fifteen seconds, and this applies to interviewers as well as social interactions.
Every small detail can have an impact on the impression you make in a interview, and we can help you to make the most of the opportunity to showcase yourself. From the outfit you wear to the way you shake hands, you will find that paying attention to first impressions makes the most of your interview experiences and boosts your chances of securing the job you want.
Meeting someone for the first time, especially in a formal situation such as an interview, can be nerve wracking and it can be helpful to consider the factors that will help you to make a great impression. Your interview is your chance to shine, and some simple steps can ensure that you blow the competition out of the water.
Here’s how to make the most of the opportunity:
When you are attending an interview, it’s important to pay attention to the way you look as this will inform your first impressions. Smart and professional is the way to go, and a well-fitted suit or tailored separates will help you to stand out for all the right reasons. If you know that the organisation you are interviewing with has a casual dress policy, you may wish to relax your look a little and let your creativity shine through, but we still recommend erring on the side of professionalism and going for a more formal look.
Turning up late to a job interview is a big no-no, showing a lack of respect for your interviewer as well as poor organisational skills. Take the initiative and show up ten to fifteen minutes before your interview is scheduled to begin to demonstrate that you are well organised, good at time management and appreciative of this opportunity.
Introducing yourself with a firm handshake and a confident smile will help you to make the right impression and get your interview off to a great start. Focus on making eye contact and try to relax – even if you feel a little nervous! Take a deep breath to settle your nerves, maintain good posture and imagine the interviewer as a trusted friend so that you can begin to build rapport immediately.
When you attend an interview, it’s important to do your research ahead of time so that you can ask informed questions about the organisation and any relevant projects or recent news. This preparation will help you to show that you are committed to the company and draw on any similarities in values and ethos that make you a great fit for the role in question.
Asking a good friend or relative to help you with your interview preparation can set you up for interview success, especially if they give you constructive feedback about the impression you are making. Ask them to be honest in their feedback and take their comments on board as you practice the sort of open-ended questions that often come up at interview and choose relevant examples from your own work experience and skillset.
Although an interview is an opportunity to talk about yourself, you will make a better impression if you can build a connection with your interviewer and active listening is the best way to do this. Pay attention to the questions you are asked and take a moment to think before you respond and ask thoughtful questions when you are giving the opportunity to do so.
The most important thing is to be yourself at interview, taking the chance to show your interviewer what a great addition you would be to the company. Making a good impression is simply a way to show yourself at your best and paying attention to the details will give you the best chance of securing the job you want.
At CareerWise, our professional team can help you to move forward in your career, and we will offer support throughout the whole process, from polishing your CV to brushing up on your interview skills. We offer services for executives, as well as recruitment and contractor management services, and we work with local, national and multi-national organisations to find the best fit.
Our recruitment experts specialise in the Pharmaceutical industry, Engineering sector, Production and Supply Chain. We will tailor our services to suit you or your organisation, so contact us to book an appointment today.
Conor is a sales professional with approx. 14 years experience in the Recruitment, Property and Advertising industries.
Conor has a background in engineering recruitment for clients based in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors throughout Ireland.
He holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management and he is also a qualified auctioneer.
Conor joined CareerWise in June 2016 as a Senior Recruitment Consultant.
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How to Answer Salary Expectation QuestionsCareerWise Recruitment. EastGate Village, EastGate, Little Island, Cork.
Phone: +353 (0) 21 206 1900
Email: info@careerwise.ie
