It’s easy to look great on paper. But with fewer and fewer interview opportunities available, it’s essential to make the best possible first impression. You can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid some of the worst interview blunders.
Poor handshake
The three-second handshake that starts the interview is your first opportunity to create a great impression. But all too often an interview is blown right from the start by an ineffective handshake. Remember the basic rule: “web to web”. Your hands should fulling meet–no “limp” hand shakes here. Once you’ve delivered a poor handshake, it’s nearly impossible to recover your efforts to build rapport. Your handshake may be telling more about you than you know. Ask for honest critiques from several friends who aren’t afraid to tell you the truth.
Talking too much
Every recruiter dislikes over-talkative candidates. Over-talking takes a couple of forms:
- Taking too long to answer direct questions (circular answers). The impression: This candidate just can’t get to the point.
- Nervous talkers. The impression: This candidate is covering up something or is outright lying.
To avoid either of these forms of over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner. Never take more than 2 minutes to answer a question. Avoid nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play
Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers
The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things about your current or immediate past employer. Even if your last boss was Attila the Hun, never, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaints, youwill come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss because the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.
Showing up late or too early
One of the first lessons in job-search etiquette is to show up on time for interviews. Many job-seekers don’t realize, however, that showing up too early often creates a poor first impression as well. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview is a dead giveaway that the job seeker has too much time on his or her hands, much like the last one picked for the softball team. Don’t diminish your candidate desirability by appearing desperate. Act as if your time were as valuable as the interviewer’s. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early. Make sure, however, that you’re ready to walk right into the interview. If you do show up early then take care of any personal business, review your resume and prepared questions. Don’t ever look like you’re hurried or unprepared.
Treating the receptionist or greeter rudely
Since the first person you meet on an interview is usually a receptionist or assigned greeter, this encounter represents the first impression you’ll make. Don’t mistake low rank for low input. Often that receptionist’s job is to usher you into your interview. The receptionist has the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you even set eyes on the interviewer. The interviewer may also solicit the receptionist’s opinion of you after you leave.
Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary
If a car salesman asked to see your credit report before allowing you to test drive the car you’d walk away from the deal. The effect is about the same when a job-seeker asks about benefits or other employee perks during the first interview. Wait until you’ve won the employer over before beginning that discussion.
Not preparing for the interview
Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn’t bothered to do pre-interview research. On the flip side, the quickest way to a good impression is to demonstrate your interest with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of their organization. Google could become your best friend. Research, research, research !
Verbal ticks
An ill-at-ease candidate seldom makes a good impression. The first signs of nervousness are verbal ticks. We all have them from time to time — “umm,” “like,” “you know.” Ignore the butterflies in your stomach and put up a front of calm confidence by avoiding verbal ticks. You can also sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response.
One of the best ways to reduce or eliminate them is through role-play. Practice sharing your best success stories ahead of time, and you’ll feel more relaxed during the real interview.
Not enough/too much eye contact
Either situation can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact and you’ll seem shifty, untruthful, or disnterested; offer too much eye contact, and you’ll wear the interviewer out. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.
Failure to match communication styles
It’s almost impossible to make a good first impression if you can’t communicate effectively with an interviewer. But you can easily change that situation by mirroring the way the interviewer treats you. For instance:
- If the interviewer seems all business, don’t attempt to loosen him/her up with a joke or story. Be succinct and businesslike
- If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests. Often the items on display in the office can offer a clue.
- If asked a direct question, answer directly. Then follow up by asking if more information is needed.
- Use Active-Listening skills. Listen carefully to the question and don’t be afraid to ask the interview to “please re-phrase the question” if you don’t understand. It’s a lot better than answering it wrong.
Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of conversation can vastly improve your chances of making a favorable impression. You can put the interviewer at ease — and make yourself seem more like him or her — by mirroring his or her communication style.
Final thoughts
Just as a strong résumé wins you an opportunity to interview, strong interview skills will win you consideration for the job. You already know that you won’t earn an interview unless your résumé sets you apart as a candidate of choice. Similarly, you should know that polishing your interview skills can mean the difference between getting the job and being a runner-up.
Reboot My Résumé 