
“First impressions do matter. Especially when they are likely to also be final impressions.” ― John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed
First impressions last. We have all heard this and it has been proven true, time and time again. First impressions can also be stressful. Especially when you are in the face of life changing decision. Authenticity during the initial meeting is also important, but there are many ways of showing your true self during first impressions without loosing your authenticity. Job hunting is a tiring process and when you book that interview, it is very important to ACE it, especially when you had countless applications with little or no luck of booking the interview.
If not irrevocable, the first impression you give others will undoubtedly have a significant impact on how they will feel about you in the future. At job interviews, which are conducted to determine whether you will fit in with the company's culture both personally and professionally, this judgment is only amplified. How can your first impression be your last? How can you ensure that you are perceived as want what you want to be perceived as. Here are some tips on how to make a great impression:
1. Research the interviewers and the company
You can enter your interview with confidence if you are aware of the important facts about the organization you are interviewing with. You can gain a thorough understanding of the company's objectives and how your background makes you a great fit by consulting the company's website, social media posts, and recent press releases.
2. Practice responding to typical interview questions.
A common interview question is, "Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in this position with our company." Prepare your response. Your elevator pitch should succinctly describe who you are and the value you will bring to the organization and the position.
3. Make eye contact.
Eye contact is a nonverbal communication technique. Making eye contact while speaking to someone is seen as a sign of sincerity and respect. Maintaining eye contact also shows the other person that you are listening to them and are interested in what they are saying.
4. Put on appropriate attire.
Your first impression is greatly influenced by what you are wearing. People are affected by your appearance, whether or not they are aware of it and whether they believe appearance to be important, according to Caroline Dunn and Lucette Charette of The National Research Council of Canada. In other words, what you wear has an impact. Make sure your attire is suitable for the occasion. A job interview may give the impression that you aren't serious about the position if you are dressed too casually.
5. Be genuine
It pays to be yourself because people can detect insincerity remarkably quickly. Constant doubt as to whether you are saying or acting in the right way frequently comes across as being untrue. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses and being considerate in how you share them are essential components of authenticity.
6. Good communication skills
Good communicators spend more time listening than talking. The rule of thumb here is to speak no more than one-third as much as you listen. Increased listening demonstrates your focus and gives the other person a sense of being heard.
7.Display assurance.
Even if you don't feel brave, acting confident will give the impression that you do. A better first impression will result from this air of confidence.
8. After the interview, send a thank-you note.
During the interview process, request the business cards of everyone you speak with so that you can send each person a personalized thank-you email afterward. Send your follow-up emails the same day if your interview was in the morning. The following morning is acceptable if you had an afternoon interview. Make use of the notes you took during the conversations to ensure that each email stands out from the others.
Side note...
Before your interview, it's critical to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses honestly so you can customize these advice to fit your specific needs. This will enable you to get the most out of your initial meetings with prospective employers and increase your chances of landing the job.
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