Creating a positive first impression

You must do everything you can to make a positive first impression when you meet the interviewer. Above all make sure you remember the names of all your interviewers. This means paying particular attention to them when you’re first introduced, and taking a mental note of their roles.

There is a common misconception that handshakes and personality are in some way connected. In an interview environment there’s very little information by which to judge a person – as a consequence the handshake takes on a heightened significance. The best advice is to use a firm (but not hand-crushing) handshake, remembering to make eye contact and smile at the same time.

Some people suffer from the ‘dead fish’ handshake, i.e. one that is weak and clammy. If this applies to you, it’s worth practicing your handshake until you feel more comfortable with it. If you suffer from sweaty palms, sometimes associated with interview nerves, then discreetly wipe your palm just before shaking the interviewer’s hand. It’s important you’re not seen doing this, as it’s a very subordinate sign, showing you feel unworthy of the meeting. And never wipe your hand just after the handshake, as this implies you felt dirty after touching the other person’s hand.

Opening conversation

You’ll need to respond to opening gambits like ‘how was your journey?’ Respond by making conversation but don’t overdo it and even if you’ve had a terrible journey, avoid stressing any negative aspects as it’s not a good way to open conversation.

People generally like others who are capable of initiating conversation, so don’t be afraid to ask your own polite questions during this ‘meet and greet’ phase. It’s a good idea to have a few conversation openers memorised, such as commenting favourably on the premises, to help break the ice.

Remember, people like people who are similar to themselves. They like confidence - but not too much.

Assessing the degree of formality

You’ve now met the interviewer and, like it or not, your own first impressions are already forming. You’re starting to judge their interview style which very often is indicated by the layout of the interview room itself.

There are three basic layouts used by experienced interviewers:

Across the table:
This is the classic negotiation style, eye to eye.

Across the corner of the table:
This is a more informal, conversational colleague style layout.

Across open space:
The classic friend-to-friend style of open discussion.

These three options, ranging from formal to informal, can often provide an indication how the interview will be conducted: structured, semi-structured or unstructured. The more informal the setting the more the experienced interviewer can learn about you. Where the interview is held across open space the interviewer can read far more from your body language than when a desk is between you.

The more informal the setting the more attention you should pay to your non-verbal communication, adopting a slightly more relaxed and informal style in the way you answer questions, but without compromising your key messages.

Getting comfortable - but not too comfortable

It’s good practice not to sit down before being invited. This is not only polite but also gives a nervous interviewer confidence by letting them direct the proceedings.

Ideally you should sit at a slight angle to the interviewer, as this is more relaxed than an eye-to-eye head-on position. To show how alert you are lean slightly forwards in your chair.

Accepting refreshments can be a difficult area. The best advice is do what makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. So, if you’re thirsty accept a drink but if you’re very nervous bear in mind that any shakiness of the hand will be magnified when holding a drink.

But when it comes to food the golden rule is - don’t. You’re at the interview to communicate a strong case for why you’re the right candidate for the job. Communicating effectively while eating is very difficult and will only detract from the impression you’re trying to create.

Recovering from a poor first impression

First impressions cut both ways – you’ll also be meeting your interviewer(s) for the first time. Whatever your true feelings, make sure you react positively to the interviewer, smile warmly and ensure you maintain positive body language. Even if you think you’ve just met the interviewer from hell you must concentrate on your main objective - to win at this interview.

You may be convinced they’ve formed an unfavourable first impression of you. Ignore this thought. Increasingly, professional interviewers are trained to overcome their initial reactions and apply more scientific interview appraisal techniques.

Even if you’ve stumbled and made a weak first impression you can turn the situation around, so keep working hard at making the right impression throughout the rest of the interview.

The first impression is important, but you need to approach the interview holistically. Remember, you’re a winner and are at this interview to win!

Next: Selling yourself
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