First Impressions
One of the first questions candidates ask prior to an interview is, “How do I make a good first impression?”
Experts say it takes seven seconds for someone to form an opinion on you.
Even before you start a conversation, someone may already have made their mind up about you, and it might not be good.
We've had interview feedback from clients that a candidate has made a negative impression so fast that the interview hasn't recovered.
We've all been there. We’ve all met somebody who instantly makes us prickle.
There's just something about them we don't like. Their nonverbal communication is off. They give us the wrong vibe. They trigger our self-protection mechanism.
So how do you make sure you make a positive first impression when you interview? And can you recover from a negative first impression?
?Things that can make a poor first impression include:
·????????Lack of energy and flatness.
·????????Lack of eye contact.
·????????Lack of passion and enthusiasm.
·????????The sense that someone doesn’t want to be there.
?How can you avoid those things?
·????????Smile and keep your energy upbeat.
·????????Sit forward as if you are eager, as opposed to slouching back.
·????????Keep your tone light and sound enthusiastic.
·????????Talk about what makes you happy and what you enjoy in your career.
·????????Talk about what makes you unique and why this company would be lucky to have you. ?
These are all things that come naturally to people who are excited about life.
If you think you might have made a bad first impression, you can recover from it by owning up to being nervous.
Admitting vulnerability helps, and a small moment of honesty like that can change someone’s entire perception of you.
Any advice for making those tricky first impressions count?