I have
already talked about first impressions and how vitally important
they are when you turn up for an interview. I will talk in depth
about the interview itself later, but for the time being here
are some tips on first impressions and how to "dress for
success" at the interview.
I have heard many variations on the theme, but
the message is the same. When you walk into an interview with
anyone who has the power to hire you, the decision on your
success or otherwise is made within the first few minutes!
Incredible isn't it? But true. Now, I have heard it is as quick
as four seconds (certainly the do I like this person
or not decision is made on this sort of time-scale) to as
long as five minutes. The message is clear, your first
impressions are absolutely vital.
So, what can affect the interviewers' first
impressions of you? Here's what. And please, do not take these
personally!
It may seem obvious, but a person wearing work
boots is not likely to be considered for a directorship of a
major financial institution. Now, this is a somewhat extreme
example, but it is what I am going to talk about in the first
part of this chapter.
If you want to get hired for a particular job,
you have to "look like" that job. Now it is very
difficult to be specific to your own situation here, but I can
give examples that illustrate the points I want to make. I can
also give general guidelines to abide by when in the process of
job hunting. Remember, when people can "see it" they can "be
it"! Tacky, I know, but this little phrase is more powerful
than you imagine!
When you go for a new job, it may again seem
obvious to say it, but you definitely want to look your best.
How does this affect you? Well ask yourself. How do you feel
when you know you have your best suit on, that brilliant white
shirt with your new silk tie? Your shoes shine so you can see
your face in them. For the ladies, that new dress, a special
piece of jewellery. How do you feel?
Answer - SPECIAL.
If you can "see it", you can "be it". You
feel great about yourself. The ritual of getting into your
best "togs", makes you feel good, your self esteem goes up a
couple of notches on the positivity scale. You influence your
own behaviour in the positive. You walk and speak with more
confidence and authority. This self generated confidence can put
you ahead of the competition when you are attending an
interview, and let's face it, as we already know, every
advantage you can possibly get over the competition is worth
having.
So, having understood how important it is to look
your best, here are a few pointers on how to present yourself at
interview. As I said earlier, please do not take these
personally. Many will not apply to you, but they are worth
pointing out. There only needs to be one point that you have
forgotten, which this chapter enables you to put right, to
make this entire section worthwhile!
Next Page -
General Pointers
