How to Make a Good First Impression On a Job Interview

When you are interviewing for a job, especially in this economy, you should try to make the best first impression that you possible can. This article will help you to make a good first impression on a job interview. Good luck!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Research the company and the job that you are applying for. You should appear to be knowledgeable of and excited about the company. If you do not know the basic information that is contained on the company website, you will not present a good first impression.

2. Research the person that will be interviewing you. One of my co-workers recently interviewed prospective interns for a position in my office. My co-worker was extremely impressed when four candidates asked her about criminal cases she prosecuted and her criminal law community service work.

3. Review and revise any web or social networking pages that are on the internet. Take off all things that may prove objectionable to the company looking to hire you. Think about whether or not you really want your interviewer looking at pictures of you and your friends drunk, scantily clad, or making obscene gestures.

4. Abstain from using any non-prescription drugs or alcohol before the interview. In addition, try not to take any medications that will make you drowsy before the interview. You should be in control of your senses at all times.

5. Dress appropriately for the job interview. It is necessary that you are clean and groomed. Clothing should be ironed and wrinkle free. Do not wear hats, shorts, low cut tops, or baggy clothing. Gentlemen should tuck their button-down shirts into their pants and wear a belt. Women should wear conservative make-up and jewelry. While you may feel that this will put a "crimp" in your style, you can begin to express yourself AFTER you get the job and AFTER you have observed the office environment.

6. Leave the gum and candy at home. If you want to take breath mint before the interview, make sure that it is out of your mouth before you enter the office. These are inappropriate at job interviews and will not make a good first impression.

7. Take at least three extra copies of your resume and cover letter to the interview. Your resume and cover letter should be on good resume paper. It will make a good first impression if your extra copies are kept in a clean binder or folder.

8. Be on time. Try to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. By arriving early, you will have time to find a parking space and building/suite. You are also giving yourself the opportunity to take one final look in the mirror before the interview and compose yourself. At times, you may be able to gain useful information on the company from looking around the lobby.

9. If you got into an argument or are stressed about something before the interview, fake it as if everything is fine. Put on a friendly smile and try to appear cheerful.

10. Be nice to all people that you meet near the office building. You do not know if a person that you see outside the building, in the lobby, or in the elevator is the person you may interview with.

11. Be nice to all office personnel. The secretary and other office personnel often serve as the owner/manager's eyes and ears. How would you feel if you see the secretary you rudely greeted speaking with the interviewer?

12. Avoid street slang or curse words in the job interview. You do not want to appear as if you are speaking with a friend on the street corner. By doing this, you can make sure that you are understood and project a good first impression.

13. Think before you speak. Speak clearly and confidently. It is better to pause and think of a good answer than to babble about anything that comes to your mind.

14. Present yourself as if you have ideas of your own and back them up. Unless you truly agree with what the interviewer is saying, do not agree with everything that is said. At times, an interviewer may test you by making a statement adverse to their true beliefs. People that regularly conduct job interviews tend to get a good sense for when a person is "fake."

15. Be honest. Even "little white lies" and "fudging" count as lies. You do not want to be caught in a lie before, during, or after the interview process is over.

16. Thank the interviewer for their time. Follow up with a thank you note or card addressed to the person that interviewed you.

[marthareggie]

on 8/28/2009 This is excellent advice. People who are in search of jobs need to read this article.