eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Know the Impression You're Making in A Job Interview

Member
By Althea DeBrule
User-Submitted Article
(4 Ratings)

Job interviews can be very stressful and nerve-wracking. It's natural and expected that you'll be a bit nervous; so try not to act as if your life depends on the outcome. First impressions are very important for they help the hiring manager determine your suitability, and help you gauge continued interested in the job or company. To know the kind of impression you are making in the interview, you must be able to read the hiring manager's body language. Here are several strategies you can use to determine the impact you're having.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Ability to Read Body Language
  • Watchfulness
  • Positive Mindset
  1. Step 1

    If the interviewer is pleased with what you're saying, the interview may become more open and friendly with requests for more information about you and your character. The hiring manager will lean forward, look you in the eye, smile, and give other kinds of friendly and open gestures. The length of time spent in the interview will also be an indicator. If it lasts longer than an hour, that's a good sign. When you exude confidence in your answers and abilities, this will lead to a favorable impression. If you are offered a chance to tour the facility or are introduced to other managers or team members, it's a definite signal that you're having a positive impact.

  2. Step 2

    If the interviewer seems bored, the interview may become uninteresting. The interviewer will start to fidget and toy with things on a table or watch the clock. He or she may even pause to take phone calls or answer staff members' questions. Additionally, the interview may be shortened or appear to be going through the motions. If this happens to you, mention something on your resume that may introduce a new train of thought or different questions. Ask your own questions about the company or the interviewer's success.

  3. Step 3

    If the interviewer seems cold, distant and unfriendly or upset with something you said, the interview may become stilted and choppy. The interviewer may assume a defensive posture, cross arms at the chest, push back in the chair, or frown. It's even possible that the interview may abruptly be brought to a close. Questions may be asked in a clipped and curt manner, giving you the feeling that you're taking up too much valuable time. If this happens, don't get upset. If you have said something upsetting, neutralize it by apologizing. Minimize the damage. Even if you're right; don't argue to prove your point. Stay calm, be polite and diplomatic.

  4. Step 4

    If the interviewer seems distracted, the interview may become disorganized. The interviewer may have trouble making eye contact and may continually ask you to repeat yourself. If the interviewer seems overly distracted, pause for a moment and ask if this is still a good time for the interview. If the distraction persists, there may be a genuine problem. Ask if you can reschedule the interview for a more convenient time. Rescheduling creates an obligation on the interviewer's part to finish the interview and gives you an opportunity to form a brand new impression.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Careers & Work Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2010 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Careers and Work