The outcome of the job interview depends largely on the impression you make during the first five minutes.
I have a saying “Presentation around Content”.
How you present yourself is almost as important as the content. This post on Job interviews is all about the superficial importance of Presentation.
Its boring, obvious, and always makes the difference.
To succeed, you must project a professional, competent and enthusiastic image. Your aim is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset to the company.
What it means to look professional, competent, and enthusiastic is totally different for every kind of job.
What looks gives the right impression for a techie applying at Apple is different than a banker which is different than somebody wanting to work retail at Home Depot.
Keep the following in mind:
- Punctuality. Do whatever it takes to arrive a few minutes early. If necessary, drive to the company the night before and time yourself. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and slow elevators. Go into the washroom before hand and check out the mirror.
- Dress. Your clothing should be appropriate for the position you’re seeking. Attire must fit well within the office and be immaculate. If you don’t know what the typical attire at the company is, call and ask! Shoes should be polished; pants/skirts and shirts pressed. I would suggest scoping out the company the day before and see what the people who work their where. Don’t be hesitant to call a LinkedIn contact that may know the person you are being interviewed by. Ask them how that person dresses, if they are laid back, you be laid back, if they are shirt and tie everyday, then you be shirt and tie every day.
- Grooming. Clean hair and fingernails are essential. Hair should be styled conservatively. Avoid excessive make-up, jewelry or cologne. That again depends on the kind of place you want to work at.
- Handshake. A firm handshake is appropriate and projects confidence. Make eye contact when you shake. Don’t break the persons hand, if you are nervous type, have a cloth in your pocket and dry your hand first. DON’T wipe it on your pants.
- Body language. Send the right message by standing straight, moving confidently, and sitting slightly forward in your chair. Lean into the person.
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This job hunting post was adapted from content provided to by my good friends Kevin Donlin and David Perry, co-creators of the Guerrilla Job Search System.
Kevin and David have been interviewed by New York Times, Fortune magazine, and the Christian Science Monitor about their method to finding a job.
Click and get right away the free audio from Kevin and David on getting your job search into high gear.
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