12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression April 18, 2011

12 Tips to Help You Make A Better First Impression

first_impressionWe talk a lot about personal branding and the need to have solid marketing documents that articulate your true value. However, if you can’t make a strong personal connection, it will be that much harder to demonstrate that you have the skills needed for the job. Making a great first impression is half the battle in impressing a hiring manager. Here are 12 tips to help you make a solid first impression, compliments of Alyson Kruger at Business Insider:

1. Dress to impress. Studies reveal that first impressions are formed within the first 17 seconds of a meeting, and 55 percent of that opinion is appearance. How does this affect your strategy for attire? Dress conservatively, even if the dress code for the workplace is casual or “funky.” Avoid loud accessories, hair styles, shoes, or anything that would take attention away from your skills. Also dress to show that you respect for the interviewee and the company.
2. Think before you speak. Seven percent of what we think of others is based on what they say. Think about how you want to come across, whether it’s humble, aggressive, optimistic, innovative, then make a list of words to convey that impression. Even if you don’t use those words it will help you prepare.
3. Watch your tone of voice. Thirty-eight percent of a person’s first impression is taken from tone of voice. Consider how you sound to others. Do you sound calm, enthusiastic, confident, humble, self-assured. Practice the way you want to be perceived.
4. Adjust your body language. Ninety-three percent of people’s judgments are based on non-verbal cues. A firm handshake, good posture, a smile, and eye contact will help reinforce a good first impression. Avoid gestures like crossing your arms or sitting too casually which may convey that you are bored or don’t care. Be aware of your physical attitude.
5. Use their name, often. People like to be acknowledged and studies show that addressing potential customers by name increases the likelihood of a sale by 36 percent. When you meet someone, say their name – “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jim.” And repeat their name through the interview. It will help cement the relationship.
6. Be on time. Being late shows a lack of respect for others’ time. If you can, arrive 15 minutes early and use the time to collect your thoughts.
7. Focus on them. Even though it’s an interview, focusing too much on yourself will bore the other party. Prepare by making a list of questions about the other person and their company. You don’t have to go into great detail but show that you are interested in learning more about them.
8. Listen. We have talked about the need for good listening skills in the past. Exchange information, don’t dominate the conversation, and listen to the others closely. Also acknowledge what they are saying with phrases like, “that makes sense” or “interesting” or “can you elaborate on that” to show you are engaged.
9. Tain’t necessarily funny. Watch the use of humor. Avoid sarcasm or controversial jokes that could be misinterpreted, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time.
10. Bring your documents. Don’t assume they will have copies of your documents. Bringing your own paperwork shows you are prepared. And bring them in a portfolio or briefcase to show you are organized.
11. Do your homework. Learn all you can about the person whom you will be meeting. Check them out on LinkedIn, the corporate web site, and using other social networking tools so you can ask informed questions about them.
12. Be yourself. If you can, try to relax and be yourself – be authentic. To help you overcome nervousness, do something to relieve the stress. Exercise beforehand, listen to music, whatever helps you relax. Also give yourself a pep talk, list your best qualities, practice in the mirror, or call a friend to give you a boost. And during the meeting try to relax. You can never know what the other party is thinking so just be yourself.

How to Stand Out from the Competition!

Even if you have reached the top rungs of the corporate ladder, you might discover in this turbulent job market that potential employers will be looking beyond your core qualifications to your creativity, flexibility and fit into the company culture. Establishing yourself as a best-in-class professional, capable of easily adapting to and thriving during fluctuating economic cycles, will set you apart and enable you to more quickly land a career-enhancing opportunity. Some nontraditional strategies include:

1. Be open to interim positions or consulting projects. These will allow you to draw an income, keep your skills fresh and position yourself for prime roles once regular hiring levels return. So-called independent workers now comprise more than 30% of the American work force, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, demonstrating an increased willingness on the part of employers and professionals to consider unconventional working arrangements. With many companies unable to hire full-time employees, highly seasoned project or temporary professional workers are an appealing alternative.

2. Consider posts that are a pay grade or title below your most recent position. You’ll be positioned to exceed expectations and possibly turn the “downgrade” into a dream job later on. This is a particularly relevant strategy at organizations with reputations for promoting from within. By consistently over-performing and demonstrating your value to the company, you will ensure that you are at the top of its shortlist when more prestigious opportunities become available.

3. Be willing to relocate – domestically or even internationally. Look for opportunities that might ultimately keep you on the cutting edge of your field. While demand for talent will certainly rebound world-wide over time, job creation for top professionals may be more robust in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China in the near term.

Career success in any type of job market is often as much about perseverance, preparation and timing as it is about talent and passion. Keeping an open mind about the path you take to reach your long-term career objectives is one of the best ways to ensure that you are seen as highly marketable. It will stimulate organizations – even those challenged by poor economic conditions – to see the advantage of hiring you.

Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider

As the end of the year approaches, we’re all inspired to make life-changing improvements. While you’re reflecting on 2010 and planning for 2011, take some time to think about your job-search strategy and include it in your resolutions.

Here are six New Year’s job-search resolutions to consider:

1. I will build my online presence.

If you’re reluctant about using social media tools for your job search, let go of your fears in 2011. Building an online presence is likely to take your job search to new heights. What do employers see when they do a Google search for your name? Consider starting a blog, uploading your VisualCV, participating in LinkedIn group discussions, and making new connections with like-minded professionals on Twitter. A strong online presence raises your visibility with potential employers and could help you uncover hidden job opportunities.

[See 10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media for Your Job Search.]

2. I will update my resume and personalize my cover letter.

Don’t lose an opportunity to apply for a job because you haven’t updated your resume. The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on your career accomplishments and future goals—and incorporate them into your resume, cover letter, online profiles and other job-search materials.

Check out the rest on US News and World Report’s On Careers blog: 6 New Year’s Resolution for Job Seekers