Seven Seconds to Make a First Impression Interview skills Seven Seconds to Make a First Impression

Did you know? The moment a stranger sees you, his or her brain makes a thousand computations. Are you someone to approach or to avoid? Are you friend or foe? Are you trustworthy, competent, likeable, confident. Researchers from NYU found we make 11 major decisions about one another in the first seven seconds of meeting. In interviews first impressions are crucial, you can understand how to make those decisions work in your favour

Non verbal cues First impressions are more heavily influenced by how you act than by what you say Studies have shown that nonverbal cues have over four times the impact on the impression you make than anything you say

7 important non verbal cues 1. Attitude People pick up your attitude instantly. Prior to entering the room, take a deep breath and make a conscious decision to be happy and excited about the opportunity you have been given. 2. STRAIGHTEN YOUR POSTURE Use height and space - standing tall, pulling your shoulders back and holding your head straight are all signals of confidence and competence

3. smile 4. MAKE EYE CONTACT 5. RAISE YOUR EYEBROWS A Smile is an invitation, a sign of welcome. It says, “I’m friendly and approachable.” 4. MAKE EYE CONTACT Looking at someone’s eyes transmits energy and indicates interest and openness. (To improve you eye contact, make a practice of noticing the eye colour of everyone you meet). 5. RAISE YOUR EYEBROWS Open your eyes slightly more than normal to simulate the “eyebrow flash” that is the universal signal of recognition and acknowledgement.

6. Shake hands 7. Lean in slightly This is the quickest way to establish rapport. It’s also the most effective. Research shows it takes an average of three hours of continuous interaction to develop the same level of rapport that you can get with a single handshake. 7. Lean in slightly Leaning forward slightly shows you’re engaged and interested. But be respectful of the other person’s space. That means, in most business situations, staying about two feet away.

Don’t over do it Eye contact Eyebrow raising Ladies handshakes Power handshakes Not too close

Presentation – DRESS CODE

ladies A well fitted (not too tight), neutral coloured suit in navy or another dark colour with a skirt Skirt length should be a little below the knee and never shorter than above the knee Basic court shoe – no strappy sandals or platforms! Simple accessories. No visible body piercing or tattoos. Make up should be minimal and in conservative tones Mild deodorant and mild perfume Light briefcase or portfolio case

Appropriate business dress

gentlemen A two piece suit in navy or another dark colour A matching tie Polished dress shoes in a dark colour No visible body piercings or tattoos. If you normally wear an earing, take it out! Get a haircut. Short hair always fares best and so does a clean shaven face. Clean trimmed fingernails. Mild deodorant and aftershave. Light briefcase or portfolio case

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Preparing for the Interview Step 1: The Self-Interview Know your strengths & weaknesses Determine your employment interests; what do you want to do and why Reflect on your values; what’s most important to you Be prepared to cite several examples of experiences, accomplishments, successes

Step 2: RESEARCH THE COMPANY This will prepare you to answer questions but also give you opportunities to ask questions of your own It shows the employer that you have gone to the trouble of preparing yourself Visit the company website Use LinkedIn to get insight into the company culture and statistics If you know who your interviewer is check their profile and get an understanding of their role and background

Preparing for the Interview Step 3: Practice!! Review common questions Schedule mock interview Prepare list of questions Be alert to body language & eye contact SMILE Speak clearly; listen carefully Match your skills/experiences with jobs

Analyse the job description What personal qualities is the company seeking in a candidate Create a list of skills, knowledge, professional and personal qualities required Make a list of your own skills and experience and match to the requirements list Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask at your interview Practice interviewing – Get a friend to ask you questions relevant to the KSC

THE INTERVIEW

BE EARLY!!! Plan your transport and parking prior to attending the interview Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behaviour Tardiness, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder and YOU WILL NOT GET THE JOB

First 7 seconds Greet the receptionist, your interviewer and everyone else you meet politely and enthusiastically – SMILE Shake hands firmly, make eye contact as you articulate your points Lean forward slightly whilst listening to questions Pay attention – listening is just as important as answering questions

Prepare 1 to 2 minute responses – DON’T WING IT You will nearly always be asked the following questions, prepare and practice 1 to 2 minutes responses: Tell me about yourself? Why do you want this particular job? Why do you think we should offer you this job? What are your key strengths? What are your weaknesses?

KNOW YOUR KEY STRENGTHS Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone else. Assuming you have done the proper homework on the company, these strengths should also be closely aligned to the key traits the employer is looking for in a person to fill their position.

Ask the Question At the end of the interview, don’t be afraid to ask the questions – “Do you think my skills match your needs” This gets straight to the point and, at worst, reveals any obstacles you need to overcome

Send a thank you email Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview for the position Express positive attributes of the company and why you would like to work for them Reiterate why you consider you would be suitable for the position Invite the interviewer to contact you with any further questions that come to mind

Sample Questions Tell me about yourself. Walk me through your resume. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Give me an example of a situation that tested your leadership ability. Tell me about a time that you had to do something you didn’t enjoy. Describe your greatest accomplishment. How would you define success?

Sample Questions What did you like or dislike about your previous job? What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them? How do you handle stress and pressure? Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. What was the biggest accomplishment / failure? How do you evaluate success? Why are you leaving or have left your job? Why do you want this job? What are your goals for the future? What are you passionate about?

General Interview Tips Arrive 10 minutes early Dress professionally – wear a business suit Focus & relax – Be Yourself! Develop a firm handshake Be confident, enthusiastic, truthful Allow interviewer to lead Expect the unexpected!

Well Looky there – you’ve got the job!!!