Did you know an interviewer has made their mind up in the first five seconds of meeting
Have you ever had a situation in which you’ve met someone and had an instant dislike. Or you’ve met someone and hit it off immediately. Studies have shown that our subconscious picks up on things such as appearance, body language, voice and smell, immediately creating an impression of that person.
Follow our list of interview pointers to improve your chances of being offered the job.
The biggest interview weakness is making a poor first impression. Even if you had sample interview questions and answers the likelihood of being hired when making a poor introduction will be slim.
Interview Pointer 1 – NEVER be late
This is the worst possible start to an interview. Make sure you turn up on time and not too early. 5 minutes before the scheduled time is best. If you are running late please call your interviewer at least 10 minutes before the interview to explain you have been delayed.
Interview Pointer 2 – Whilst waiting in reception don’t sit down
When your interviewer turns up you want to be standing, with purpose and looking confident, not slouched in a chair. I once worked with someone who refused to hire anyone if they did not stand to shake their hand.
Interview Pointer – 3 Avoid the wet fish handshake
Make sure you give a confident handshake but not too firm and please, not two handed. If you suffer from sweaty palms use the bathroom or carry a spare handkerchief with you.
Interview Pointer – 4 Don’t forget the interviewers name
The sweetest sound to anyone is the sound of their own name. If you get it wrong or forget it, you have just made yourself an enemy. If the name is hard to pronounce ask the receptionist how to pronounce the name before your interview.
Interview Pointer – 5 Maintain eye contact
If you are looking at your shoes whilst shaking the interviewers hand they will think you have something to hide. Look the Interviewer in the eye or at least at their face during the meeting. Another tip is to look slightly over their shoulder. That way they don’t feel as if they are engaged in a stare out.
The best way to approach the introduction is with confidence. By following these simple steps you will find the interview will begin in a positive manner, you can find more tips on how to improve first impressions by signing up to our newsletter.
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