Last month, we posted our Secrets that Help Job Seekers Ace Interviews- Part One where we provided job seekers with invaluable tips on how to research an opportunity, research a company and learn how to show up prepared. This month, we’re focusing on Appropriate Actions and First Impressions tips that are helpful during the interview process. Many job seekers already think they know these tips, but reviewing these actions can truly help candidates put their best foot forward.
TIP 6 – APPROPRIATE ACTIONS
• Confidence: You cannot enter into an interview with a “defeatist attitude.” You need to sell your abilities. The best way to display confidence is to focus on your accomplishments. In addition to the accomplishment, you should explain the impact it had on your employer. Ask yourself the question: “What did I do different, better, faster, more efficiently in my job than the person who had the job previous to me?” You need to let the interviewer know you are confident in your abilities and can do the job they are offering.
• Positive Attitude: During your interview, you need to maintain a positive attitude both in the things you say and in your appearance. You need to smile, come across very pleasant, and even if you hear something that you don’t agree with, don’t look disgruntled. You can always ask questions later in your interview to clarify any facts.
• Eye Contact: Keeping eye contact throughout your entire interview is highly important. Most individuals look up or to the side when they are “thinking” which is fine. However, the minute you start to answer a question, look right into the eyes of the interviewer. Looking away or down often gives the impression of dishonesty or disinterest.
• Body Language: Experienced interviewers will watch how you react to questions during your interview. Your body language can project information that you are not verbalizing. The following is a list of body language to avoid:
o Avoid fidgeting. It shows a lack of self-confidence.
o Avoid “over the top” hand gestures. They are distracting.
o Avoid biting your lip. It gives the impression you’re making things up.
o Avoid crossing your arms. It appears you are defensive.
o Avoid shrugging your shoulders. It appears you don’t know the answer.
o Avoid nods and head shaking. Use words to answer questions.
o Avoid yawning. It appears you are bored.
TIP 7 – YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION
You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Learn these tips and more to make the best impression from the onset.
o You can never be too polite to anyone you come in contact with before, during and after your interview.
o Treat the receptionist with respect and never act as if you are impatient or bored. Some interviewers will keep you waiting to see how you handle yourself. Others will ask the receptionist how you treated them.
o Greet your interviewer with a firm (but not hand-breaking) handshake and a smile.
o Dress appropriately. Your appearance is a large part of a first impression.
o Arrive prepared and organized.
o While waiting, do not eat or drink anything.
o Turn your cell phone off. There are no exceptions.
These are some great interview tips to bookmark for your future interviews. Take the time to review all our job seeker articles by clicking here. Stay tuned for more posts each month by subscribing to our blog.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Ingrid Moore
Ingrid Moore is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Resources of Illinois, an employment & staffing agency with over 20+years’ experience located in Schaumburg, IL. Ingrid and her team assist employers with finding the right hire for their business. For more info, follow us on our LinkedIn Company Page, or follow us Corporate Resources of Illinois‘s Google+ page.
