Unfair you think? Not at all. Maybe you were once on the other side of the desk and hired your fair share of people over the years. How important was that initial impression and what did you look for in an applicant? Answer: The first impression was critical. I guarantee you looked for a well-rounded package that knocked your socks off by looking and sounding good.
According to humorist Perret, President Lincoln once turned down a person recommended for a position because he didn't like his face. Even back then, first impressions could make or break you. More recently, Lee Iacocca, Chrysler's savior and the father of the Ford Mustang, said in his autobiography, "I learned to figure people out pretty quickly. To this day, I can usually tell a fair amount about somebody from our first meeting."
In The First Five Minutes? Norman King describes those pivotal early minutes:
By the time the second hand has traveled five times around your wristwatch, two things will have happened. You will have decided exactly how much you trust or distrust your business acquaintance and, likewise, the other person will have decided exactly how much he or she trusts or distrusts you.
Let's look at the components of that snapshot closely.
1. Dress: You've heard the cliché "Clothes make the man (or woman)." When I was an angry college kid, my eyes crossed when anyone said that to me. Now, after knocking around the job market for three decades, I nod my head in agreement. We all have to grow up sooner or later. The simple truth is if you want to get anywhere in the organizational world, you'd better look the part. An interviewer sees a well-dressed man or woman and immediately concludes: "Here's someone who takes good care of him- or herself." It may not be true, but that's the impression it creates.
Conservative is the command word when it comes to wardrobe. You don't want to look like you stepped out of the 1960s and you don't want to go overboard with the trendy designer stuff either. Avoid extremes. It's okay to be current and appropriately "cool", but don't overdo it. I won't say look your age, because I have no idea what that means. But I will caution you against trying to go toe to toe with Generation X.
Suits, preferably in black, gray, or blue, convey professionalism. Rather than casual matching pants and sports jacket, men should stick to formal business suits. The same goes for women, although stylish businesslike dresses will do fine. Ties? Try conservative blues, muted reds, and Ivy League stripes. Avoid wild or day-glow colors.
Here's some quick dress tips for men: No frayed cuffs or sloppy-looking shirts. Shoes ought to be polished to a high sheen. Believe it or not, well-polished shoes convey a powerful image. Socks ought to be long so that legs don't show.
For women, wearing stockings with runs or boots instead of shoes makes a terrible impression. Understated jewelry ought to complement the outfit.
Absolute no-nos: Missing buttons, clothing or tie stains, jackets that don't close, and outfits that look thrown together earn demerits on the first-impression scale.
2. Personal grooming. Women's makeup should be subtle: Chipped nail polish or roots showing through on dyed hair make a terrible impression.
Men's hair should be neat and combed. Note that shoulder-length hair and pony tails don't fly in most conservative mid-western companies. If you're out to make a statement with your hair, be prepared to suffer the consequence of indefinite unemployment.
3. Eye contact: Don't look at the floor, the ceiling, or out the window. Easy and relaxed eye contact, as opposed to menacing or anxious, is what's needed. Like they say, eyes are the window to the soul. Many job searchers make the mistake of trying to outstare the interviewer. Remember, you're there to impress the hell out of this person, not win a staring contest.
4. Handshake: I've met men, even a couple of women, who've come close to breaking bones when shaking my hand. Although a limp, wishy-washy handshake makes a bad impression, so does the "I'm as powerful as Arnold Schwarzenegger" variation. A firm, quick, and confident handshake will do.
5. Posture, voice and energy level: How you carry yourself is also important. You don't have to stand and sit like a marine, but you must keep your back straight, square your shoulders, and avoid slouching in your chair.
Be aware of how you sound. Consider how nerve-wracking it is listening to a screamer, shouter, mumbler or whisperer. Most people have no idea how they really sound. It may not be a bad idea to record your voice to find out how you come across. You may be shocked at the sound of your own voice. Nevertheless, it's a good way to find a level and speed that's comfortably absorbed by listeners.
A Chicago headhunter summed up the ideal interview candidate as someone who is comfortable in his or her own skin. This person has mastered the art of human interaction by presenting a balanced impression-neither overly nervous or aggressive. From the moment someone enters the room, the candidate should appear comfortable and un threatened. Immediately, give the impression you're capable of handling any situation.
A little humor-not the crude, stand-up comic variety-wouldn't hurt either. The candidate who can crack an innocuous joke, innocently poke fun at himself, or draw a humorous aside, scores immediate points. Good hearted, clean humor has universal appeal. Not only is it a wonderful icebreaker; it also creates a comfortable rapport, presenting you as an easygoing person who doesn't take herself too seriously.
If you can't comfortably pull off a tension-breaking one-liner, do the next best thing and try smiling, rather than looking like you're about to be strapped into the electric chair. It helps to set the stage for the bulk of the interview.
