Job Interview Techniques: Creating a Good First Impression

We are all familiar with the truism "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression". This truism is particularly relevant when it comes to job interviews. Creating a good first impression is one of the most important interview techniques you can master.

For historical reasons related to survival, we form an opinion about a person’s character, attitude and competence within seconds of meeting them. The importance of creating the right first impression is compounded by the fact that it can take up to 12 subsequent encounters where you make a good impression, to undo the damage done first time around. You often only get one job interview and therefore one chance, so you must get it right first time.

When you bear the above in mind, you will see why it is essential that you spend plenty of time during your job interview preparation ensuring you create the right first impression.

In his landmark book ‘Silent Messages’ Professor Albert Mehrabian established through research that 55% of our first impression about a person comes from their behavior and appearance, 38% from the sound of their voice, while only 7% of what they say will make any impact. This means that 93% of how you come across has nothing to do with what you are saying.

How to Create a Good First Impression

The following steps should be taken in order to maximize your chances of creating a good first impression at your job interview. Some points are obvious, however, I have included them in this list as interviewers consistently complain that candidates overlook the basics. Ignore them at your peril!

Be punctual
You must recognize that the best laid plans often go out the window, so arrive in the vicinity of your interview 45 minutes early. Go and sit in a nearby cafe. This way, if you get caught in a traffic jam, miss your train or wake up late, you have given yourself a reasonable safety net.

Aside from creating a good first impression, arriving early reduces your stress level which will enable you to perform better during interview.

2. Always dress smart not fashionable
Unless, of course, you are applying for a job at a trendy hair salon or similar. How you dress is one of the first things that people notice about you and speaks volumes about who you are. If you look untidy, people tend to assume that the same applies to your work. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed, but dress should not over-power your personality.

3.Smile
A smile is one of the most effective ways you can create a good first impression and positive connection with those interviewing you. A genuine smile conveys openness, confidence, warmth and positive energy. Smile with your eyes and get your cheeks engaged. Our natural instinct is to like someone when they are smiling. And being liked is extremely important when you are being interviewed.

4. Make good eye contact
When William Shakespeare wrote "the eyes are the windows to the soul" he was referring to the fact that our eyes often betray our hidden emotions and attitudes. The effectiveness of good eye contact cannot be overstated. People frequently make judgments based on the quality of eye contact given by the other person. The person with ‘eye dart’ or ‘shifty eyes’ is often regarded as dishonest or evasive.

5.Initiate the handshake
Upon entering the room, go up to each of the interviewers and shake their hand. This sends out a message that you have confidence and manners. The correct technique for a handshake is very important.

6. Be positive
No one wants to work with a negative person. Obviously, people like to work with positive colleagues. So in addition to smiling, where appropriate, make a positive comment. You might comment on what great offices the company has or what a great location. If your interviewer asks you how your journey was, don’t complain, thank them for asking and say it was ‘fine’.

Whilst, as any good interview book or interview coach will advise you, there are many other steps you need to take and additional interview skills you need to develop, there is nothing like creating a good first impression to get a head start.