Timekeeping
Arriving late never makes a positive impression, as it shows poor planning and organisational skills, as well as a lack of priority and respect for the organisation. It is essential to arrive in good time for all appointments, especially interviews. You should leave home earlier, if necessary, to account for any possible transport delays and leave plenty of contingency time.
Arriving early gives you time to familiarise yourself with the environment and can help to allay anxieties before the interview (if you are driving, it would give you more time to find a parking place). Arriving early also ensures that you behave in a polite, unflustered manner towards ‘first line of contact’ employees (e.g. security guards and reception staff) who work for the organisation. Arriving late, feeling flustered and using abrupt communication does not give a positive first impression. All departments in an organisation are interconnected and other staff might be asked to provide feedback on your conduct and communication.
Verbal communication skills
Clear and confident verbal communication skills are also essential for creating a positive first impression. Using appropriate language (polite and respectful), speaking clearly, pronouncing words fully and speaking at an appropriate volume and pitch all reflect confident verbal communication skills.
Polite conversation
Communication is a two-way process based on verbal give and take. Polite conversation and small talk are ways of breaking the ice in different social situations; they help to put people at ease and can be used to gather some general and basic information about someone. Polite conversation can also help to identify areas of common interest, which is an excellent way to build rapport. The way a person engages in small talk (how they start or respond to the communication) contributes towards the first impression they create.
Interviewers often break the ice by asking something like ‘How was your journey?’ It is unlikely that they would really want to hear about all the trials and tribulations of a horrendous journey. A short, concise, positive response while thanking the person for asking offers a sign of respect. Similarly, when meeting people for the first time in other social situations any responses to polite conversation and small talk should be respectful.
In most social situations, focussing on other people leaves a more positive first impression than constantly talking about yourself. Asking someone an ‘open’ question and listening fully and actively to what they say gives the impression of being interested.
At an interview, the focus is on the person being interviewed. It is essential to be polite, well-mannered and courteous. Respond to questions clearly and if you are unsure about a question ask politely if it can be
rephrased.
At the end of an interview there is often the opportunity for the interviewee to ask the interviewers questions. It is very useful to have some prepared in advance.
Minimise distractions
In all communication (especially interviews) distractions should be minimised. Mobile phones should be put on silent or switched off throughout all communication. The sound of a mobile phone ringing does not create a positive impression; it can reflect a lack of thought, consideration, organisation and professionalism. Furthermore, being in the presence of someone who is constantly checking their mobile phone gives the impression that they are far more interested in their phone than speaking to another person.
Body language
The use of open body language, an upright posture, appropriate eye contact, a genuine and natural smile and a firm handshake all help to create an air of confidence at an interview.
It helps to be aware of any personal nervous habits (e.g. shaking or trembling) or anxious feelings, as these can be managed by using some deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Aim for a calm, confident and composed manner.
Responding to feedback
When you receive feedback, it is important to acknowledge how you feel and, if appropriate, express this in an assertive way and discuss it with the person (if this is possible and appropriate). It is also important to listen to and hear the other person’s perspective.
In order to develop empathy, it is important not to take the feedback personally as an absolute truth, but to be open to exploring the possible ‘grain of truth’ that might be conveyed. Hearing the person and acknowledging and accepting their view as ‘their own’ is empathetic.
One key thing to remember is that all feedback is an opportunity to grow and develop, so it is something that you should ideally learn to value. The key is to be able to respond assertively to feedback, rather than reacting from a one-down or one-up (top dog or underdog) position.
Benefits of an interview
Employer
• Can ask the prospective employee to expand on areas they mentioned or missed on their application form or CV.
• Can check the prospective employee’s ability to hold a conversation and speak formally.
• Can monitor the energy and enthusiasm of the prospective employee.
• Has the opportunity to gather information about the prospective employee that cannot be provided on paper (e.g. dress and interpersonal skills).
• Can see how the prospective employee copes under pressure (i.e. whether they’re able to manage nervousness during the interview process). Employee
• Can find out more about the job requirements.
• Can ask questions to clarify whether the job and the organisation are the right choice for their personal and professional needs.
• Has the opportunity to experience and sense the culture of the organisation, e.g. what the organisation is like and how they do things. Successful candidates
• Are made an offer of employment with information on start dates and the employment contract.
• The employment contract outlines the responsibility of the individual to the organisation and vice versa. It also covers the remuneration package (including the salary, holiday entitlement and pension scheme). The prospective employee can review the offer and decide whether they would like to accept the position.