Never underestimate a first impression, those first few seconds are critical. As an Employment Specialist, I have seen and heard it first hand. I think it breaks down into your appearance, handshake and smile. The experts say dress for the job, if you are a carpenter, then dress like one. I disagree.
I was working with an older, overweight gentleman with a healthy rap sheet. He had recently been released from the state hospital after being charged with attempted murder. He was looking for a job. He faced several barriers to employment, including low literacy. But his attitude was positive and he followed through on everything I asked him to do, including putting on, for him, his Sunday’s best. One manager said “finally someone to interview.” He was applying for a warehouse job. He didn’t get that job, but it wasn’t long before he got one. He rode to my office on his bike, in his suit.If he can do it, so can you. I can’t stress enough how dressing up a bit will help with that first impression. If you can’t dress up, at least be tidy and wrinkle free. No holes period. Don’t forget your fingernails and pay attention to the small details as the interviewer is.
The handshake can convey both warmth and confidence. Men, from a woman’s point of view, I don’t appreciate the side handshake or a weak one. That tells me a lot about how you view women. Make a firm connection and good eye contact. Most of communication is non-verbal and your body language is very important. A recent study from UCLA estimated 93% of communication effectiveness is determined by non-verbal cues. So it matters what you say and how you say it . Non-verbal cues include facial expression, hand and feet movement, gestures, body movement and position. Stand tall, but not intimidating, and don’t forget to SMILE! But remember you literally have seconds to impress your new boss.
Throughout the interview be aware of your body language and what message are you sending. Try to convey open and honest, and invested in the communication. Make regular eye contact, but don’t stare the recruiter down. Smile at every opportunity. Are your hands open or do you have them clenched into a fist. Have your palms up, so they say, I have never found this comfortable and that is what you want to express. So be true to yourself, just be aware there is a whole other layer of communication happening.
Reading body language goes two ways. There are lots of excellent sites devoted to body language and non-verbal cues. Familiarize yourself with some cross cultural cues. Non-verbal cues are culturaly relevant, especially hand gestures. Meaning hand gestures in one culture don’t mean the same in another. Other cultural differences have to do with body proximity and comfortable personal space bubbles. A smile on the other hand means pretty much the same everywhere.
