30 seconds! 30 seconds is all it takes to create an impression on someone when you first meet, whether that be good or bad.
These impressions can have a lasting impact on how you are viewed as a potential employee. This is, therefore, your time to shine and sell yourself.
We all know that interviews can be tough, wracked with nerves, the smallest thing can make the stress of the situation ten times worse. However, turning up to an interview a nervous wreck may not have the impact on the interviewers that you desire. To combat this, try not to let anything phase you, even if you have had the worst morning of your life…
Here at Selective Group, we have come up with a list of things you can follow in order to ensure you give a great first impression:
1. Dress to Impress
Interviewers will form an immediate opinion of you based on how you present yourself. If you turn up scruffy and untidy you risk being mentally labeled as lazy and unorganised.
To avoid getting it wrong and underdressing, or even over dressing, it is an idea to look at the companies website prior to the interview. This will help you to understand more about the business, giving you a better idea of what to wear.
Bare in mind that not all employers are the same, so knowing about what type of culture the company has will give you a foot forward ahead of others that are in the running.
2. Tick Tock, Tick Tock
Timing is everything! So obviously, it is crucial that you are on time for your interview. Turning up late is possibly the worst thing that you can do, so avoid it at all costs.
Ensure that you leave with plenty of time to spare, it is an idea to set yourself a time to get there – aim arrive half an hour before the interview, that way you can either grab a coffee somewhere close by or wait in reception until the interviewers are ready for you.
3. Bow down to preparation
A rookie error made by many is turning up unprepared. This is possibly the worst thing that you can do, not being ready for a job interview again shows carelessness and a lack of interest.
Usually, similar questions are asked in different interviews as a screening process, these could vary from questions where you have to give examples of situations that you have been in or general “tell me about yourself” questions.
Preparing confident answers to these common questions will help to really impress your interviewer, giving you an advantage over other candidates. It is also a good way of building your own self confidence, as you will know what you are going to say even before stepping foot in the room.
4. Know your stuff
You can reinforce a good impression by being prepared. Do your research of the company before hand, this could include any recent news coverage about the industry or sector you are entering to really emphasise your interest in the company and get conversation flowing!
Don’t forget to ask questions when asked at the end, this shows that you are interested in the role and shows that you are inquisitive about the company – in a good way!
However, problems can often be unavoidable, so be prepared for things to not run as smoothly as planned. The ability to adapt to different situations is key, and moving on and doing your best despite these issues can show your potential!
Following the above tips can help you to achieve a great first impression, setting you up for the success you deserve!
If you have any questions or would like help from Selective Group to find your dream role don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on info@selective-group.com or call 01235 462 900.
