First Impressions

The following are noted in the first impression:

55% Appearance and Body Language
- Dress the part: suit or business casual, depending on position & type of company
- Firm handshake for introductions and departure
- Strong eye contact
- Sit upright
38% Tone of Voice
7% What You Say
- Avoid those "ums..."
- Convey enthusiasm and confidence by placing yourself "inside" the stories you relate

Some prime examples of initial interview behavior that could result in a candidate's rejection include:

A weak or half-hearted greeting or handshake.
Failure to maintain eye contact, indicating a lack of self-confidence.
Slouching in the chair or looking either uninterested or intimidated.
Lack of enthusiasm or responsiveness.
Poor grooming or inappropriate dress.
Smoking.
A hostile or abrasive attitude.
Boastfulness, egotism, or being overly aggressive.
Acting as if the candidate is doing the interviewer a favor by being there.
Treating the secretary or receptionist in a cavalier, or condesecending way.

Serious job candidates take the job search seriously, stressed Half. They know that the first impression they make on the interviewer is, almost always, going to be the lasting impression.

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