How to Turn a Job Interview into a Favorable First Impression

As I sit at my computer on a rare rainy afternoon in Arizona, which happens to be Martin Luther King Day andthe first holiday since New Year’s, Ireflect on the tradition of setting,and breaking, New Year’s Resolutions. If you’re like me, you’ve probably already set down acouple thathave already beenbroken, orwritten ones you’ve failed to achieve.

And if you’re a writer like me, you may have started the year with thelofty goalof sitting downEVERY DAY, determined to get that book written–NOW. You may have set X number of hours you will daily commit to this project, or how many pages you will produce. But lo and behold, life once again rears its ugly head andgetin the way of your schedule. You may become discouraged, feel deflated–another year of a literary dream that will never materialize.

Yesterday I competed in a half marathon–or should I say slowly jogged. I bring this up not to pontificate about my athletic achievements, but to talk about my theory that if you write like a runner, as if you were training for a race, you will be successful. You willachieve your literary dreams.

Why? Because world class marathon runners, like Susan Loken, which I’ve had the privilege of training with, have perfected the art of breaking a task, or dream, into small,realistic segments, and formulating a plan ofachieving them. Youcan’t suddenly decideone day to jump into a marathon, or even a half. Unless you’re a 20 something who ran track in high school. There’s a step-by-step regiment one must follow in order tocomplete the race.

Writing is the same process. You don’t set down goals that are not realistally attainable. You will only be discouraged. Start withsmall, steady steps that work with your life. Take it at your pace, like a runner, and success will follow.

Two years ago when I committed to running in the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll (Half) Marathon. I only did soto raise money for a children’s charity. I told Susan Loken that I would do it, but I would NOT run the entire 13.1 miles. I had back, knee and motivational issues. Two Rock ‘n’ Rolls later, I can proudly say that by followingrealistic goals I knew would work for me, I ran the entire way, never thinking of walking and not even slowing as I chuggedH2O at the water stations.

So don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t yet achieved greatness. We all have it within ourselves. Just write like a runner, and success will follow.

How to Turn a Job Interview into a Favorable First Impression19647How to Turn a Job Interview into a Favorable First ImpressionYou never get a second chance to make a first impression, especially when it comes to job interviews. Regardless of how much you research a company and rehearse exactly what you’re going to say the night before an interview, you must realize that what isn’t said is just as significant as what is said. Studies show that you only haveseven to 17 seconds to make a favorable first impression and 18 additional encounters to change a first impression.

According to Dr. Albert Mehrabien, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA, what you say accounts for 7% of making a good first impression; your body language and the tone of your voice 38% and how you look accounts for 55%. (This is known as Mehrabien’s 7%-38%-55% Rule.)

Take the time to re-think how you represent yourself during an interview. Ask yourself: What does your professional appearance say about you? Is your image consistent with your resume? Is it in line with your career goals?

Follow these steps to make a favorable first impression:

1. Research the company’s dress code and culture to better understand how employees dress. Review the company’sannual report to see how the executives aredressed. If the company is business casual, tailor your interview attire accordingly. It also depends on the level of the position you are applying for and who you will be meeting.

2. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to dress to impress. Wear an outfit that makes you feel good.Choose a suit that fits the company culture and suits you as well. If the company is more business casual then select separates such as a jacket and pantsrather than a formal suit.

3. Wear a color that complements your natural coloring.

4. Pay attention to the details of your outfit. Attention to detail translates to attention to detail on the job. Fit of the suit/outfit is critical. Jacket sleeves or trousersmay need to be hemmed. Skirt hems should fall just above the knee or at the knee. Shoes need to be clean and shined. Keep jewelry simple. Leave noisy bracelets & necklaces at home.

5. Try the outfit on a few days before the interview to make sure it works.

6. Clean and press your outfit. Check for stains, holes, missing buttons, frayed collars and threads at least a week before the interview.

7. Use one professional tote and include a small clutch for money and essentials. Carrying multiple bags is cumbersome and can look sloppy.

8. Clean and file your nails. Wear light colored polish. Keep make-up to a minimum and skip the perfume.

9. Breathe and relax. Smile and give a solid handshake. Make eye contact.

10. Slide back into your chair. When the interviewer asks you to be seated, don’t plop yourself down.

Margaret Batting is founder of Elev Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com.