Everyone tends to get an impression of others, sometimes too soon, especially when meeting for the first time.
Why do people behave like this and make judgments and evaluations in those first few seconds? It stems from the deep human history. When our ancestors met someone they didn’t know, they had a few seconds to assess whether they were a friend or someone to run away from, fight, etc.
How to prepare for such “rapid assessment” and open the door for the other person to want to get to know us more? Let’s work on the first impression we make; after all, this is something that can be used not only in a job interview.
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3 little things that will make you seem more open and friendly
- smile
- make eye contact: How long should a look be during an interview? It is said that it should be just long enough for you to notice the colour of the eyes.
- sit without crossing your legs and arms
What impression do those around you get from you?
You’ve probably noticed that when you have a good day, something positive and vibrant just radiates from you… and the people around you notice it. On the contrary, if you are not doing well, you give an unapproachable impression, you are withdrawn.
But what to do if, on the very day you’ve managed to get off on the wrong foot, something has thrown you off and you’re not yourself, you’re about to be interviewed? Try to at least think about a time when you were feeling nice. Think of an experience, a place you love, a TV show you like to watch in the evening as a reward… :)
Extra tip: And if you’re really nervous before the interview, try saying any “stupid thing” that comes to mind out loud and only then walk into the room or join the online meeting. You will feel the positive impact at once.
Natural behaviour above all
But the most important thing is to be yourself. You will always make the best first impression if it feels like you are presenting your true self. Don’t keep thinking about whether you shook hands well, whether you didn’t look into each other’s eyes for too long. Even if you were to forget all the tips we’ve mentioned, it actually won’t matter as long as you emanate a healthy self-confidence and let the other person get a glimpse of your personality. And if you’re really nervous? Don’t be afraid to admit it.
Focus on the surroundings
In unfamiliar settings, people often focus on how (uncomfortable) they feel. Try turning your attention to the people around you instead. The first impression is left not only by your behaviour and your demeanour, but also by how someone felt in your presence and when talking to you. How can you help the interviewers feel comfortable at any given moment?
- actively listen and respond to what the others are saying
- a smile can break all the ice
- show respect, both for the interview and for their position
- try to find something you have in common
Just stopping to analyse yourself too much will help you relax and unwind a bit. This will also make you appear much friendlier to the interviewer.
Preparation is the key
Do your homework before the interview, prepare yourself. Not just for the interview itself, but for those first few seconds and minutes. Prepare two or three topics you want to mention that can start a conversation. And feel free to prepare such topics for the end as well; do you want to add anything else about your motivation to work in the company / on the project? Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Send a follow up after the interview
Contact the interviewer after the interview, whether by an e-mail, text message or phone. Thank them again for the meeting, point out or emphasize something, maybe subtly remind them of one thing that makes you the ideal candidate for the position
Let’s summarize:
This is what you WANT in the interview:
- preparation
- smile
- authenticity
- interest in the other person
This is what you DON’T WANT in the interview:
- crossed legs and arms when sitting
- avoiding eye contact
- analysis of everything you say or do
Fingers crossed for all the interviews that await you. Check out more articles that will keep you calm before an interview and help you shine:
Preparing for an interview for IT positions
11 tips for an online interview
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