First impressions: how to nail it

Dress for success and appear “put together”

Leave the cowboy boots, sunglasses, and a more casual look for personal time. Dress to impress us. Think pressed, polished, and professional when considering your clothes, makeup, perfume or cologne. 

 

Get firm

When you are first introduced, extend a firm handshake. Nothing says confidence more than shaking someone’s hand firmly. A firm handshake lets me know you are enthusiastic and highly engaged in the moment.

 

Interest, excitement, and questions go a long way

You don’t have to do somersaults to show you’re thrilled about your job interview, but demonstrate your interest through your body language, the tone of your voice, the questions you ask. This leads us to our next several points, which drive home these elements a little more.

 

Posture and body language say a lot about you when an interaction is face-to-face

If it’s the first interview, make sure you stand and sit with strong posture -- it provides a more formal interaction and demonstrates respect for the interviewer.

 

Be sure to make eye contact

If a candidate cannot look at me or our hiring team in the eye when they answer interview questions, why would we feel comfortable putting them in front of a client? I consider a lack of eye contact a lack of confidence many times.

 

Know your stuff and leave the fluff

Candidates should take a minimum of 30 minutes to review information about the company as well as the job posting itself. During the interview you typically discover if a candidate has really done his or her homework, and they can also tell if they’ve fabricated some facts or embellished a bit more on their actual experience so it’s best to be honest.

 

Leave the past in the past

One of the worst turnoffs for recruiters and hiring teams at Deloitte is when a candidate speaks negatively of a past employer or former colleagues. Better to shed light on what you gained from past employers or teaming with colleagues during the interview process.


Source: Deloitte

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