Job hunt: Impress an interviewer in the first 3 seconds
In the time it takes to read this sentence, you make an indelible impression on a job interviewer.Make sure that first once-over isn’t your last.
Look like you don’t need the job
Just as banks make loans to people with money, companies hire people with options. That’s why you want to shoot for the “walk away” look, meaning, you can easily walk away from this interview and snag another job with a competitor. Wear a high-quality suit in one color—a single shot of any shade is more powerful than the calico cat look. Limit visual distractions: Resist dangling earrings and wear subtle makeup. Keep your hair neat and out of your eyes; it’s wise to show as much of your face as possible.
Radiate calm
Interviewers can smell fear immediately, so make sure you walk into an interview feeling confident. Combat stress by arriving very early (kill time until your appointment in the downstairs lobby) and well-prepared. Know some background on the company and have questions ready for the dead moments in the conversation. Right before you step into the interviewer’s office, discreetly grip the handle of your briefcase as tight as you can for ten seconds, and release. Repeat this three times to help you burn off some adrenaline and ease preperformance jitters.
Use strong body language
As you approach your interviewer, pull in your abdomen and make yourself as tall as possible. A firm grip when you shake hands will convey sincerity. Look directly into your interviewer’s eyes and put a lively twinkle in your own (Imagine you’re meeting Brad Pitt). An engaging expression will jump-start the bonding process. Finally, remember to breathe, and smile, smile, smile.
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Feb 20th 2008 at 1:16 pm
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