When you are looking for a job, one of the most important things
you can do is make a positive impact at your first interview. If you
make a good first impression, then the rest of the interview might also
go well; however, if you don't make a good first impression, then you
will spend the rest of the interview trying to make up for your weak
introduction - not a good way to get to the second interview or land an
offer. So how do you introduce yourself at the interview to leave a
great lasting impression? Try these three interview techniques:
Handshake & Eyes: Use a firm handshake and look your interviewer in the eyes. In American culture, a firm handshake and direct eye contact conveys confidence. If you also smile while doing this, then it is a winning combination. People who introduce themselves in this way will create a favorable impression even before the first question is asked.
Posture & Poise: When you enter the office or conference room where the interview is to be conducted, walk in with confidence - a quick stride, head up, and shoulders straight. When offered a chance to sit down, then use the whole chair. Don't slouch, but do sit with your back straight against the back of the chair without your legs crossed. Good posture will also send a message just as much as any answer you give to a particular question. When asked a question, think about the question and pause before you answer. If you just blurt out whatever is top of mind, you might not answer the question, and worse, you might also say something that doesn't make sense. Pausing and then offering a good answer is one way to maintain your poise in the interview.
Clarity of Message and short answers: Obviously, if you think before you speak, you will have better responses. Further, if you have anticipated the likely questions, you might already have prepared answers. Regardless whether you are speaking impromptu or relying on prepared responses, try to keep your answers short and to the point. Short, clear messages add to the image of success and confidence. If you ramble on and on with a convoluted response, then you convey convoluted thinking, not confidence. Use short, clear sentences to respond to questions.
These three interview tips are simple, and easy to do. If you want to make a positive impression that increases your chances of success, practice these three techniques. Often it is the simple things that can make a big difference. With a little practice, these techniques will become second nature, and you will be able to introduce yourself with confidence. When you interview with confidence you will increase your chances of getting an offer and landing a job.
Handshake & Eyes: Use a firm handshake and look your interviewer in the eyes. In American culture, a firm handshake and direct eye contact conveys confidence. If you also smile while doing this, then it is a winning combination. People who introduce themselves in this way will create a favorable impression even before the first question is asked.
Posture & Poise: When you enter the office or conference room where the interview is to be conducted, walk in with confidence - a quick stride, head up, and shoulders straight. When offered a chance to sit down, then use the whole chair. Don't slouch, but do sit with your back straight against the back of the chair without your legs crossed. Good posture will also send a message just as much as any answer you give to a particular question. When asked a question, think about the question and pause before you answer. If you just blurt out whatever is top of mind, you might not answer the question, and worse, you might also say something that doesn't make sense. Pausing and then offering a good answer is one way to maintain your poise in the interview.
Clarity of Message and short answers: Obviously, if you think before you speak, you will have better responses. Further, if you have anticipated the likely questions, you might already have prepared answers. Regardless whether you are speaking impromptu or relying on prepared responses, try to keep your answers short and to the point. Short, clear messages add to the image of success and confidence. If you ramble on and on with a convoluted response, then you convey convoluted thinking, not confidence. Use short, clear sentences to respond to questions.
These three interview tips are simple, and easy to do. If you want to make a positive impression that increases your chances of success, practice these three techniques. Often it is the simple things that can make a big difference. With a little practice, these techniques will become second nature, and you will be able to introduce yourself with confidence. When you interview with confidence you will increase your chances of getting an offer and landing a job.