Never Second Guess a First Impression: Job Interview Etiquette

Graduation has come, and now comes the chance of a lifetime….your ideal job. THAT job. Your career. Or perhaps you decide to intertwine work while you are still finishing school. Understanding the monumental advantage of experience, you want to get your foot in the door early, as your degree will only be emphasized along with some “real world,” collaboration. Whatever the situation is, you will want to conquer with a superior first impression, and while many will have had the upside of completing an interview at some point already, some will be “beginners,” to this pivotal, initial step. The smallest detail can become a deciding factor, positive or negative speaking, and minute movements can set you apart, or sadly lose you among other candidates. You have to realize that many other people have applied. Good, qualified individuals desire this position, and beyond “paper,” hiring managers seek charisma and demeanor, often exactly why meeting in person is necessary. If it was purely based on skill, then resume alone could determine the best hire. However, they want to apply pressure, observe your attitude and flair, and decide if you will be cohesive with the employees, the mission, and the “look,” of what is at heart for this product or company vision. I have included some tips to help your first encounter be successful, ensuring your second and so on. Interviews are a template or portrayal of your professionalism and personality, and all I cover are suggestive ways to make a stellar first impression.

1. Research the company

Be sure to conduct some personal research. Find out the objectives surrounding its success, discover what it stands for, or why it begun. Have some commentary to share, in regards to daily tasks, or overall mission statements. This shows an active interest in who you are hoping to work for. Being able to comment on direct quotes or business accomplishments will connect a desire to expand or be a factor in continued notoriety. It presents a polite disposition, taking the time to invest in a company showing interest in you. It also illustrates your ability to quickly attach and commit, which can display an eagerness, impressive to managerial staff.

2. Dress to Impress

No brainer, right? Well believe it or not, I have seen jeans in the waiting room a time or two, from those scheduled before and after me. No matter what the attire is on a daily basis for the company, dress business attire always. This is an astounding way to show a level of professionalism, whether or not it is required day-to-day. Showing up in casual wear, sends a message of “sloppy,” or “last-minute,” which could inadvertently be attached to the quality of work you will present. Showmanship goes a long way when attributing towards first impressions, because it presents a clean-cut image, therefore responding to the affiliation you will bring to the company. Never under dress; don’t allow them to “assure,” you a more “laid back,” look is acceptable. This will showcase your ability to overachieve, which is promising to any company or business.

Men– dress pants, button up shirt, and possibly a tie (no sneakers)

Women– dress pants, nice shirt, possible suit jacket and heels (never sneakers). Dresses are lengthy and not tight, and never sleeveless, unless under a cardigan sweater of sorts.

3. Hand Carry your Resume

Be sure to print out a resume and bring it in person. Even if you have already submitted one at the time of application completion, bring another one and offer it immediately upon sit down. This, in lieu of your previously mentioned research, shows preparation. It exudes an attitude of pride and readiness. Showing yourself as assertive and capable can relate to an uncompromising accountability. They will know the “I thought she did it,” speech will not be a redundant visitor, as you appear to be responsible and diligent, not assuming someone would have something you could provide yourself.

4. Take Notes

Even if you are writing frivolous gibberish, it shows dedication and interest. The speaker will feel important, and will in turn “note,” the attention you keep. This will relate to a detail-oriented employee, not afraid to be clear with direction. Now be sure to not over do it, or write down every single word uttered, as that can display you as sarcastically interested, or even worse…incapable of remembering simple instruction, translating into mistake or the need to constantly repeat orders. Transcribing the key points, such as work expectations, company rules and guidelines, what your job would entail if hired, and salary and benefit information. Its clear and not pretentious to jot down issues that matter to you as well.

5. Ask Questions

After researching prior to the interview, and even from writing down notes during (remember not too much, as no eye contact can appear rude), have prepared questions. The interviewer also enjoys talking and sharing his or her knowledge, so allow the moment to gloat and inform. Such questions as, “what is one thing you value about working here?” gives the opportunity to disclose her credentials, as well as views, without your questions being self-directed, like “when is lunch?”

6. Be Ready to Talk about YOU

They are going to want to hear from the horse’s mouth, so be ready to be your best representation. Have the qualities you want to emphasize ready. Be enthusiastic about why you want this job, and the benefit you will bring to the organization. This is a great time for you to stand out, so attribute any past experience to what makes you qualified, discuss academic achievements, personality strengths, and also a “weakness,” or two you are aware of and hope to expand on. Do not completely come off as negative, but correlate how working there will help. For example, it’s a manager position….so you say, “While I have not directly been over other employees, I possess the drive and leadership qualities to really thrive in a managerial position. I really look forward to expanding on my professional experience, and being more assertive is logically the next best step professionally.” You acknowledge you lack any work experience thus far, but possess the confidence and ability to thrive and deliver. Awareness can be an appealing counterpart, because it eliminates naivety that this job may be “over your head.” Never come off as you have no “flaws,” because that can seem as if you feel you have maxed out your potential. But ALWAYS be confidant.

7. No Perfume/Cologne

While this can be the distinguishing factor if it’s a loved scent…what if it’s not? They will not want to smell that odorous scent around the office all day, therefore meaning you will not be returning. Not knowing an appeasing scent, just omit, so that you are not turned away for being negatively “overpowering.”

8. Don’t Be Discouraged

If you do not get the job, take the experience. I have went on interviews knowing the job was not my first choice, just to have the prize of being interviewed. Remember that even if you do everything right, there may just be a more qualified interviewee, so don’t quit. Apply elsewhere, and apply all the same rules to the next occasion. It will come when it’s supposed to. The beauty of life is there is a lesson in everything. Learn.

Well those are a few tips. Remember to brag in complimenting fashion, while owning what may need work. Dress appropriate, and do not stink…literally and illiterately. Best of luck!!