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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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. 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.

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

8. Presentation – DRESS CODE

9. 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

10. Appropriate business dress

11. 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

13. PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. THE INTERVIEW

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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?

22. 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.

23. 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

24. Send a thank you
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

25. 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?

26. 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?

27. 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!

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