Job Interviews – Your First Foot In the Door
August 10, 2016 | Career Blog
We all know that first impressions are important, but some have gone a little slack and tried to rely on the gift of time and experience to let someone warm up to them. This is not a successful tactic when considering employment and survival in the work force. Your first and possibly only opportunity to sell yourself, is the job interview. Remember that in every encounter, not just an interview, you often represent the face of your family, your culture, your gender and of course, our agency.
Job Interviews are an interesting exchange in which you don’t always know what you’re going to see or hear, when two or more personalities come together without much preparation. By doing this research, you are ahead of the game. Even when you have no idea what to expect, you can plan ahead.
- Know the company
- Look, feel and sound your best
- Be professional
- Make plenty of time
Knowing your company will show them that you care about this position. You will also likely be more able to ask a few questions about the company and satisfy some genuine interest. In your mind, you may be thinking that you’ll take any job, but you want them to believe you want this job, because it suits you.
Feeling your best is just as important as looking and sounding your best. When we are healthy, rested, confident and positive, it shows in everything we do and say. It’s obvious in the gait of our walk and the strength of our handshakes. If you feel terrible in your best suit, it will show.
It may seem obvious to be professional, but sometimes you may get nervous and try getting chatty or two friendly, as if you and your interviewer are best friends and thinking this is a good thing. It isn’t. Job Interviews are serious and they probably have several before and after you. Be polite and friendly, but don’t waste their time or force any familiarity.
Leave more than the allotted time for your interview. If things go well, conversation could ensue and you don’t want to appear to be in a hurry to go or checking your watch. Even if you don’t look like it, if you’re worried about time, you will be distracted.
One little job interview could be the beginning of a complete change in the course of your life. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating its importance. Contact us if you have any concerns about your readiness.