by:
Carole Martin, The Interview Coach
www.interviewcoach.com
Copyright 2004 When you get started on the
right foot, the interview will flow easily. This is one impression you cannot
leave to chance. - 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?
-
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.
- 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.
- 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.
-
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Credit:
Carole Martin is a thoroughbred interview coach. Celebrated author, trainer, and
mentor, Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Her workbook,
"Interview Fitness Training - A Workout With the Interview Coach," has
sold thousands of copies world-wide and she has just released her latest book,
"Boost Your Interview IQ," both available on Amazon.com. Knock'em Dead
- Get the Job! Sign Up to Receive Free Weekly Interview Tips from Carole Martin,
The Interview Coach at www.interviewcoach.com
Related
Information: NBA
Benefit Provider - VIDITalk NBA
Resource Article - 10
Keys to Powerful First Impressions NBA
Resource Article - Your
Business Image
Reprint
of this article does not constitute an endorsement by the National Business Association;
the article is for informational purposes for our members and viewers of our Web
site. |
