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When you get started on the right foot, the interview will flow
easily. This is one impression you cannot leave to chance.
1. Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good. Make
sure you look groomed and neat. If you were a book, would someone
be attracted to your "cover" and want to pursue you further?
2. Your clothes and accessories should be conservative and
neutral, rather than wild and loud. Your clothes are your
packaging and should not take attention away from the product.
3. Non-Verbal Communication sometimes conveys a stronger message
than verbal communication. When you slouch, whether you’re
sitting or standing, you are saying volumes about you and your
confidence level. Sit up straight (like your mother always told
you to). When you stand make yourself as tall as possible with
shoulders back and head held high.
4. Eye contact and smiles can indicate a confident and upbeat
attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask for
"enthusiasm and energy." This is a good opportunity to
demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills, as well as your
excitement about the opportunity you are interviewing for.
5. The handshake sends a strong tactile message. If you have
particularly sweaty hands try using a deodorant gel
(anti-perspirant) as a lotion. Your hands will feel soft and
smell good. Try this before the interview to see if it works for
you.
6. Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong
impression. Whether it is a phone interview or a face-to-face
interview, it is important that you speak with enthusiasm and
energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate your confidence. If you
speak in low tones the impact will be weak and ineffective.
7. Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability
to interface with people - especially people you've not met
before. The words you choose will indicate your education and
training, as well as your knowledge of the industry you are
applying for. It is important to use "their" words and talk
"their" talk.
Practice the impression you are making with someone you trust to
give you objective feedback. You are at the interview to make a
sale - an important sale - and the product you are selling is
YOU.
Carole Martin is an expert on the subject of interviewing. Her website www.InterviewCoach.com has a wealth of information available to you. She has authored three books on the subject of interviewing - "Interview Fitness Training"- "Boost Your Interview IQ." - "Perfect Phrases for the Perfect Interview" (March 2005).
Recommended Resources:
Resume Distribution: EmailRecruiters.com
Resume Posting: ResumeRacer.com
Resume Writing: CareerProResume.com
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