EXPLORE CAREERS
First Impressions
Sub Heading - First Impressions
“YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS”
Creating a good first impression can give you a head start in an interview. You may be nervous, shy or even unsure but you still have to convince the interviewer that you are confident and capable of doing the job.
Common first impression problems fall into three main categories:
- WARDROBE AND GROOMING
- Inability to co-ordinate clothing
- Having a wardrobe inappropriate to your occupation or situation
- BODY LANGUAGE AND VOICE
- Little or no animation, gestures or eye contact
- Poor posture or slouching
- Unrefined voice or tone
- Talking too fast, slow, loud or quiet
- VERBAL PATTERNS
- Speaking with too many “errs” or “ums” etc
- Inability to communicate correctly
- Unfocused thinking
- Annoying speech pattern
SO REMEMBER TO......
- Make sure your grooming is impeccable, dress appropriately and wear good quality clothing
- Be aware of the messages you are sending with body language and voice, correct your posture and practice using eye contact
- Pitch your voice at a reasonable level and listen, never interrupt
- Adopt a positive attitude and focus on looking positive and confident
