Leaving a Great First Impression

 

Making a great first impression is important – socially or professionally. As a job seeker or networker, the first impression is critical. A job interview could be the only time you get to meet with the prospective company face to face. Your CV will give a great example of your work history but your personality drives those points home. The combination of coming across both competent but hard working is tricky. Here are some tips that we think will really help you shine.


Voice:


Look after your voice. People like to be able to understand what you are saying – be clear and concise. Practice your answers ahead so that your voice doesn’t shake or crack. If you need to gather your thoughts before answering, try not to use filler words (um, huh, like).


Rest:


Make sure you get plenty of sleep before an interview. Lack of sleep can sometimes cause drops in concentration and focus. Stress and anticipation may mean you find it hard to relax. Avoid caffeine after lunch to make sure you are able to fall asleep.


Eat:


Stress can lead to a loss of appetite. Eat a healthy dinner the night before and don’t forget breakfast. Both will help in your energy and focus.


Firm Handshake:


A terrible handshake is memorable. Worried about your handshake? Practice on your friends and family. If you need more tips, check the web for online videos.


Eye contact and body language:


Make eye contact. Good eye contact indicates excellent communication skills. If you can remember, keep your arms unfolded. Folding your arms is a sign of insecurity and can indicate that you are uncomfortable.


Remember Names:


Remember the names of the people you are interacting with. It’s a great way to show you are paying attention. When you meet a person, repeating their name is an excellent memory tool.