How to Make a Good First Impression at Interview

One should bear in mind always that whether we like it or not, either consciously or unconsciously, we all make quick judgements of people when we meet them for the very first time. Every human being is guilty of creating very quick first impressions. The first impression by interviewers about the candidate results in the interviewers coming to conclusions as to whether they think the candidate fits in with their company’s culture in the first few seconds itself and hence first impressions are clearly most critical for any candidate. These first impressions set up immediate feelings of warmth or antipathy in people. You can damage your interview performance within the first sixty seconds, if you unintentionally set up poor first impressions.

The saying – ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ – is certainly worth remembering and acted upon.

It is important to be aware of how easily one can help generate an incorrect & mistaken image of oneself. First impressions are caused by us & the previous experiences imprinted upon the mind of others. They come from how people communicate themselves to the world.

In general, people communicate in four ways. People communicate:

• through the words chosen (Verbal)
• through the volume, pitch and speed of voices (Tone)
• non-verbally, through facial expressions, gestures and body posture (Body language)
• non-verbally through clothes and grooming (Appearance)

Quite interestingly, a wide range of researchers studying human communication have come to the conclusion that up to 90% of the impressions made on other people are made non-verbally. The non-verbal signals give clear clues, amongst many other things, as to the levels of aggression, guilt, warmth, interest, confidence and trustworthiness.

When you’re sitting down, remember that folded arms, hands in front of the face, head propped up on a hand [or any gesture or habit that covers the eyes or mouth], all give inappropriate messages. Watch your hand gestures: no pointed fingers or chopped hands. Avoid exaggerated open palm gestures which can portray insincerity. The best advice is to minimise gestures at interview. But at the same time, do ensure that you appear normal & not too stiff which would send out wrong messages that you are too tense.

Eye contact is critical. Try to maintain eye contact for about two-thirds of any interaction with someone. We all know how difficult it is to assess someone who rarely looks at us. We share the same discomfort at being eyeballed almost constantly by someone who is talking with us.

Where you are being interviewed by a panel of multiple interviewers, remember to make eye contact with everyone. Keep your body posture square to the whole panel and scan the whole panel with your eyes. The person who is saying nothing on the end might be the critical decision maker.

Practice Makes Perfect

Our body language, the way we communicate, the way we shake hands & greet people, the way we generally appear to others is the result of knowing the appropriate way of doing things and then by internalising them by practicing them to perfection. Such practice ensures that these become a part of us and we behave, communicate etc quite naturally. Hence you should start your preparations for creating that all important first impression well ahead of your interview. Last minute preparations would only make it that much more difficult for candidates.

What makes for a Negative First Impression?

Negative first impressions can be created by:

• Poor handshake (limp or crushing, the way you hold your palm etc)
• Failure to greet interviewer and introduce self
• Hesitant speech
• Arriving late or very early
• Inappropriate dress
• Dirty or unkempt clothing, hair, etc.
• Too much make-up
• Body odor, too much fragrance (male or female)
• Dirty hands or nails, chipped nail polish, brilliant nail polish
• Unshaven face or untrimmed beard
• Negative body language, e.g. crossed arms, exaggerated winkle, head down, poor posture, etc.
• Unpleasant facial expression, e.g. frown, etc.
• Lack of eye contact
• Fidgeting with hands
• Chewing gum
• Bad breath (could be due to smoking)
• Speaking very loudly, very softly or too fast
• Being overly familiar with employer, e.g. using first name
• Talking too much, rambling
• Asking about salaries, vacations and promotions too early in the interview
• Appearing too anxious or too casual

There are many things that you should be aware of for both creating a good first impression as well as to avoid creating a bad impression. Start your preparations quite early (at least a year ahead) so that by the time you are required to face the interview you are very well prepared, comfortable & confident.