Congratulations on getting an interview. It's a big step, but now it's time to prepare. In doing so, it's important to consider something you may not have known: Often enough, the first few minutes of an interview decide its outcome.

	+ Enlarge
	During the interview, greet the interviewer with a pleasant smile and offer a firm, professional handshake.

Research shows that the first impressions an interviewee creates are crucial. Studies suggest that these critical first impressions are mainly related to the appearance, voice, and behavior of the candidate and not to what he or she actually says.

Usually, employers know a lot about a candidate before the interview itself. The candidate’s application reveals his or her background, work experiences, and general interests. Accordingly, the interview itself is less about determining the candidate’s general qualifications and much more about giving the employer an opportunity to judge the candidate’s personality and professionalism.

Of course, being judged like this can put anyone under pressure, but the following tips should minimize that pressure by helping you create the right impressions in your interview:

Before the Interview:

• Write an email to the employer to confirm the time and place of the interview. Such diligence should impress the interviewer.
• If you are nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend.
• Research the dress code of the organization in question. If you are not sure what to wear, err on the side of conservative, professional attire.
• Specifically, subdued colors, styles, and patterns of clothing are safest. Don’t let your clothes become a distraction--for you or the interviewer
• Good personal hygiene is important. Prepare accordingly.
  

Arriving at the Interview:

• Arrive at the interview a few minutes early.
• Utilize the extra time to make a few final checks on your appearance and to gather your thoughts.
• Introduce yourself to the receptionist, remembering to be polite and respectful to him or her and to anyone else you might meet.
• Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to meet with the employer.
  

During the Interview:

• Walk into the interview confidently.
• Greet the interviewer with a pleasant smile.
• Offer a firm, professional handshake.
• Offer a greeting as well. A simple “nice to meet you” should be fine.
• Don’t sit down immediately when you enter the room. Wait to be offered a seat.
• You may be offered a drink. It is your choice to accept or decline the offer, however, it is probably a good idea to decline, as you don’t want anything to distract you.
• Maintain eye contact to convey confidence.
• Speak clearly and loudly enough to be understood.
• Listen attentively and be sure to answer specifically any question posed to you.
• If you are not sure what was asked, ask the interviewer to repeat the question.
• Act interested and lean slightly forward in your chair.
• Avoid sitting defensively with your arms and legs crossed.
• Don’t be too anxious to prove yourself.
• Don’t play with your hair, clothing, or items in your pockets.
• Monitor the style, tone, and delivery of your responses.
• Don’t put on a façade, be yourself.
• Avoid using slang and profanities.
• Show interest in the job, but avoid seeming desperate.
  

Sound like a lot to consider? It is, but many of the above tips are probably things you do naturally, and any that aren’t can be practiced rather easily. In the end, when it comes time to interview, you’ll be glad that you prepared beforehand so that your first impressions will be the right ones.

On the net:

First Impressions, Lasting Impressions: Tips for Job Interviews
www.ala.org/ala/nmrtbucket/footnotesjan1997/footnotesjanuary.htm

Interview Technique: First Impressions
www.accountancyagejobs.com/vnunet/features/2130010/interview-technique-first-impressions

How to Make a Good Impression during Job Interviews
workbloom.com/interview/how-to-make-a-good-impression-during-job-interviews.aspx

Bring Order and Structure to Your Management Job Search

In an orderly and structured fashion, we consolidate all of the management jobs from every management job source, company and organization career page (and every other job site we can find) so you know about all the management jobs and can make your important personal career decisions in an objective and rational way. We are a "good citizen" in the management community and have high research standards and know you too have high standards for your career. As an unbiased research company with a profound respect for concrete facts and information about job openings, we are loyal to our members and do not accept any money from advertisers for job postings. We give you the tools to follow through and pursue your career options in a stable, practical and down-to-earth manner.

Tell us where to send your access instructions: Your Email: