Everyone knows that you have to make a good first impression in order to make a positive impact.
This is even more important when you are looking for work.
The way you represent yourself is extremely crucial in landing a job.
Your personality and attitude need to come off professional and precise.
If you want to impress your interviewer, you will need to be liked.
Here are some “secrets” that aren’t so secret at all but should come natural to you so that you do not come off as fake.
- *Be Friendly To The Receptionist!
This is crazy that I even have to put this in here, but you would be surprised how many people treat the first person they meet at the company poorly!
He or she already got hired by the company, sometimes even by the same person that you will be meeting so don’t you think they will have good communication with them to relay anything that stands out?
For example, if you were late, if you hassle them about the application, are not prepared, if you’re talking on your cell phone in the lobby, if you rolled your eyes at them or cut off their sentence, the list goes on and on. This person has the inside scoop on what to expect from the hiring manager and even the company! Use this to your advantage! Because even if you may be a little unprepared to meet with them just yet, trying to get on their good side might save you from them telling the higher ups just that.
Smile, be friendly, maybe even a little small talk because if this interview goes well, you will be working at the same company!
- *Research The Company & Even The Interviewer.
Showing them that you have done your homework will impress them.
Read the company website and see if they are on Linked In and try to connect with them.
If you get lucky, you might just have something in common with them like where you went to College!
- *Be Aware Of Your Surroundings!
Some offices are extremely professional and others are very laid back! Try to see how the employees act with each other and how the office is set up. For example if there is a common area that employees are encouraged to interact with each other or if you are to sit at your desk and get the job done, no talking.
The hiring manager is going to see if you fit in with the flow of the office.
- *Be Approachable.
Do you want to work with someone that is hard to get along with? No! Well guess what, Managers don’t want to hire someone that gives off a negative vibe either!
Greet them with eye contact, a smile, a firm handshake and possibly even a small compliment if you are comfortable with that.
You want to give the impression that you will be a pleasure to work with, so showing interest in the company and learning more about them already shows you have something in common.
- *Be Helpful!
Provide them with information that shows you can help out. A specific project that you completed that has similarities to this position, volunteering experience, time spent after hours etc….
They are asking you questions for a reason, be open and give them answers don’t leave them prying information out of you! You are only making it harder on yourself and making it look like you have something to hide.
Being kind and considerate goes a long way! If you had a cup of coffee right before you went in to meet with them, even a breath mint might increase your chances of being a “likable” candidate for the job.
*Glassdoor.com – 5 Secrets of likable job candidates – http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/5-secrets-likable-job-candidates