Tips for People Going for their Very First Interview

Whether you are 16, 24 or older the very first thing you need to do is make a memorable first impression. Recruiters might talk about people who carry their own brand; this can be picked up from what they wear, how they walk, their stance and how they speak.

Having worked on the other side of the desk, I have seen the inappropriate dress some people wear to interview. 

No matter how expensive your apparel; gym shoes or sneakers and a pair of jeans will not make a favourable impression. If you turn up an interview in this kind of attire, you are likely to be dismissed within a few minutes.

However, the same goes for grooming. If your hair is greasy, untidy, or even unwashed looking this may put also put a recruiter off. As will unkempt or dirty fingernails, and you would be surprised to learn how many people especially males who neglect this area of preparation. Recruiters, decision makers and maybe even receptionists are likely to think, “Dirty fingernails, ugh, let’s get this one out of the office as soon as possible."

Clean shoes are a must as is a fresh and overall tidy appearance.

Although it is known, that chewing gum helps maximise your ability to concentrate and think on the spot; it is best to get rid of this before you ever enter the building. Do not swallow it (it is dangerous you should never ingest it, it can lead to all sorts of stomach complications, and you can choke) and do not spit it out in the car park; you do not know who is looking out of the window. If you have some, dispose of it ethically before interview.

If you do not make a really, good effort, then the Recruiter may consider you do not equate their quality brand.

Have a think, about people you know and what they wear. Have you ever seen a Solicitor, or your Bank Manager slopping around in jeans? The majority, always look the part, both in and out of the office. They are recognised as equating their own specific brand or a brand of management.

If you turn up for interview correctly dressed, but the recruiter has seen you slopping around the day before in the Supermarket for instance, in dirty jeans and a stained jacket he is likely to think twice about recruiting you. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and this does not mean you have to cut the grass or do the garden in your work suit.  

However, when you are out and about try and look the part; that way, if you are introduced to someone who may have a job opening when you are out, you can feel self-assured that you are looking your best. It is surprising how many job openings seem to appear when you are ready for them. 

Your Stance

?As 60% of communication is non-verbal, how you stand and hold yourself is extremely important.  Winding yourself into a tight ball, slouching and getting anxious about things will only raise your Cortisol level; this, will increase your stress hormones and decrease the efficiency of your immune system. And, while it may not increase your blood pressure at this young age, it is not only bad for you in the long term but may also cause memory problems. 

Have a good stretch before you walk into an interview room. Be discreet about it; we don't mean in front of everybody, nor in view of, the office. Perhaps before you leave home and a little stretch when you get out of your mode of transport might help too. 

Stand tall. It is a well-known fact that standing tall increases your Testosterone levels and produces what you could call a “Power Hormone”. It helps improve endurance and sharpen cognitive abilities. It will help raise your confidence.

Make the Recruiter feel important

Ensure you know the Recruiter’s name and use it when you are speaking to him. If you are unaccustomed to doing this, it can feel odd at first. Practice by using people's names when you are talking to them. Try it with friends, family and other people you know. Don't use their name too often, but just enough for them to be sure you know who they are and how important you consider them to be.

Don't praise the recruiter, or be very, very careful if you do. If the remark you have made leads the Recruiter to give you the impression that he does something, that he doesn't, then he may be afraid that he will be found out later and dismiss you, just in case.

Praise the company. You want to work with them because "I have heard that you offer a good training scheme", or "I value your company ethics and policies" etc. Information regarding such things is often on the company's website. 

Show gratitude. Say thank you at the beginning of the interview.

When you are shaking the hand of a recruiter say something like “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today (person’s name), it is very much appreciated” This always goes down well. The same goes for when you are leaving an interview. I always find that re-iterating at the end of the interview that “I have enjoyed the discussion/meeting/interview and having learned so much more I am more interested than ever. Thank you for your time and consideration when can I expect to hear?” gets very positive results and people are often either awarded the position there and then or very soon afterwards.

Commitment

Employers and recruiters are looking for someone who can commit. Someone who will see a job through to the end. Have you shown commitment in the past? You think not? Think again. Haven't you just committed the past 16 or more years to school or learning? 

When the recruiter asks you if you have any work experience what do you say?

If you give a “yes” or “no” answer, then you may close the discussion and be dismissed.

Think about what he is asking. 

During your time at school, you may have had "good" or "exceptional" attendance. An Award or Certificate for "good attendance" always goes down well.  But, even if you haven’t you will have gained experience in regularly attending the hours of a working day week.  Perhaps if you have been unemployed for a time since you left school you could say that you are still in the habit of getting up early every morning to e.g "Take the dog for a walk", "Go for the Papers", "Go the gym", "Go for an early morning run".

You may also have attained skills in team-work, team-building or team-leadership. Stories regarding specific projects you have worked on at school, college or even University may help prove a particular skill. Extra curriculum events, Sports, Hobbies, Drama, Music, Debates, Presentations etc. contribute to conquering many skills.

Second Language

Do you have a second language? Whether you are bi-lingual or not, having the basics of a second language is always a bonus when you are applying for positions. And, while it's not necessarily true, people who can read music and have gained a few grades in this area are often deemed or high intelligence.

Family Experience

If you come from a huge family, you may have assisted with family functions and events, perhaps even charity events. You may have had to organise family outings, take care of an elderly relative or help with a family business. You have real-life working experience skills to gain through these things.

Communication Skills

Kids from large families or who have hobbies in a sizeable social circuit don't always have better communication skills. However, by communicating what you know in alignment with the recruiter's needs, you are showing an understanding of the recruiter's expectations.

Siblings

You may have taught or helped teach younger siblings to read and write and kept them safe when in your care. You had to have a keen eye to ensure all dangerous items are out of sight; eliminate trip hazards; secure doors (including cupboards), guaranteeing hot coffee and hot pots and pans were out of reach. Sometimes it is just the everyday things that you do without thinking that need to be brought out.

The recruiter wants to know that you have good common sense and that you are an enthusiastic and hard-working individual. All, of these things, are important and a short story about any of the things we have mentioned above may help you win the recruiter’s attention. Try and keep your skills and stories focused on the skills the recruiter asks for.

Even if your first interview doesn't go down that well think of it as an experience you can learn from. Don't let it destroy your confidence. Remember too, that recruiters are only human too and do occasionally make mistakes. 

Hope you all enjoy your interviews and attain the positions you desire.  If we can be of any further help or assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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With very best wishes for Xmas and the New Year.

Yours sincerely

Mary J Tait                                                                                                                    Senior CV Specialist Writer and Consultant                                  https://www.cvspecialist.org.uk                                                                            FREEPhone: 0800 170 7740                                                                                    Mobile: 07968 1212 69