A job interview can cause a lot of stress. There is to much at stake to try to get around it. Most job seekers will find themselves more stressed when they think about the fact that you can only make a first impression once. Acing the interview will be a lot more likely if you follow a few simple rules.
Be Punctual
An easy way to make a great impression is making sure to always be on time, if not early. Nowadays people are very busy, and you are taking a time slot on their appointment calendar. Being late takes time away from getting to meet and impress your potential boss and human resources representative. But worse than that, it already tells them that you don’t respect this opportunity to interview and that you will probably be habitually late for work.
If you were caught in a traffic jam, or the situation was outside of your control, you can protect yourself. You should contact the person who set up the interview. They may want to reschedule for another time or another day. Apologize for the inconvenience and give them the option to reschedule.
In the Hot Seat
Upon arriving at the office, treat everyone with respect and be sure to smile. If you are interviewing for a manager position, you might think that the receptionist is your subordinate. You would be wrong. At some small companies, anyone may fill in at the switchboard, so don’t assume anything negative.
A firm handshake can help you when trying to make a good impression. The worst thing that you can do is the infamous fish-tail handshake. The fish-tail is that floppy half shake that only takes hold of the other person’s fingers. Don’t do it. Grab the whole hand in a firm grip, but not so hard as to break their fingers. This may sound trite because it has nothing to do with you ability for the job. But for your evaluation, it is very important. Strong handshakes signify strong people.
Make sure to maintain good posture during the interview. It will help make you look as if you were alert and interested. Make sure to make eye contact, but don’t make it uncomfortable by staring. You are allowed to look at any information or notes they hand to you. The time to look them in the eye is when they are speaking directly to you or when you are answering a question.
Ask the interviewer a couple questions also. It shows interest and intelligence. When the boss asks his final question, which is usually seeing if you have any questions, ask him how his job impacts him and knock his socks off. This great question is often forgotten. Every person in the company has a boss, no matter how high their rank. It is your job to make that that person’s life easier.
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