First Impressions

            Your mother was absolutely right when she told you, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”

INSIDER TIP:      There is a considerable bank of research studies which proves that interviewers form an opinion about a job candidate in the first 15 to 20 seconds of an interview.  Yes, you read that right – the first 15 to 20 seconds!

Suffice it to say it is vital…no, it is critical…that you establish a good first impression as soon as you walk in the door (even before).  The clothes you wear, the style of your hair, the amount of perfume you have on, the condition of your shoes, the firmness of your handshake, and the excitement in your voice will all (collectively) send a powerful message to an interviewer about who you are.  Mess up on any one of those initial “contacts” and you will probably mess up the crucial first impression you want an interviewer to have.

            It is quite possible you can overcome a poor first impression with a stellar interview, but why put yourself at a disadvantage the moment you walk through the door?  Give yourself every advantage, every “brownie point” you can.  Knowing that your shoes are shined, that you are making direct eye contact, that your suit was recently dry-cleaned, and that you removed that humongous nose ring from your face will give you the extra confidence you want to do an outstanding interview.

§   Be absolutely certain you are dressed professionally.  Don’t wear your “college clothes” – wear the clothes of a professional educator.  For men that means a coat and tie; for women it means a classic blouse and skirt.  Your attire should be on the conservative side, your shoes should be shined to a brilliant gloss, and your jewelry should be at a minimum.  Oh, cover those tattoos.

§   Keep a close eye on your body language.  Give the interviewer a firm handshake and look him or her in the eye in responding to every question.  Make sure your feet are planted firmly on the floor and you hands are not stuck in your pockets or smoothing back your hair.  Sit up straight in the chair and lean slightly forward.

§   Practice your delivery.  Don’t speak in a monotone - your voice delivery should be enthusiastic and confident.  Be sure to enunciate all your words and please stay away from any slang (“Yeah, my college supervisor was a totally awesome dude!”).