When it comes to almost anything in life, first impressions matter, and job interviews, whether as a response to immigration advertising or domestic positions, are definitely no exception. In fact, the first impression rule stands to be more important than ever in this type of context since a candidate has only a short amount of time to present themselves and leave their mark. This also means that if an interview starts off on the wrong foot, that impression is likewise going to be difficult to shake.
This helps explain why most people in charge of hiring will actually decide if a candidate is a good one or not within just a few short minutes of meeting a person. While at first glance, this may seem hardly fair, it also presents candidates with an amazing opportunity to really start things off on a high note by making the right type of impression right from the start. Of course, when it comes to immigration labor advertising, this tends to be even truer.
So with that in mind, what are some helpful tips that job candidates can put to work for them before and during an interview to ensure that they leave a lasting positive impression that will help them stand out from the pack? Read on to find out.
Be Punctual
When it comes to an interview, it is always best to show up a little early. Of course, nobody wants to be too early. This is awkward for everybody, and there is a good chance it will even annoy the interviewer or come off as disrespectful or desperate.
However, nobody wants to be late for an interview. It will more likely than not give the impression that the candidate doesn’t know how to show up on time or doesn’t take the interviewer’s time seriously, and starting off on this type of foot can be hard to come back from. In addition, the candidate will probably be feeling pretty flustered if they know that they are running late, and this can make it difficult to concentrate during an interview, meaning that they will probably be more likely to botch their responses.
Rather, shoot to arrive about 15 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin. This will give a candidate some time to relax and sort out their thoughts so that they can head in on top of their game while showing the person in charge of doing the interviewing that they know how to show up on time.
That said, be sure to not underestimate the time it can take to actually get to an interview, especially if it is taking place in an unfamiliar location. Even with modern GPS technology, things can still happen, and all it takes is a wrong turn to end up five minutes late instead of 10 minutes early, so be sure to leave more than ample time for transit.
If a candidate ends up arriving at their destination earlier than scheduled they can always grab a coffee and practice their responses for a few minutes before heading in.
Dress to Impress
When it comes to choosing the appropriate attire, the goal is to prove that a candidate knows how to look the part and do it well. For most types of interviews, the best type of outfit is professional or business attire. However, depending on the type of position being applied for or the nature of the company itself, there can be contexts when more casual attire is appropriate, like when interviewing for a startup, for example.
Of course, when it comes to knowing what type of clothing will be appropriate, a candidate can and should put in some background research to make sure that their outfit pick will hit the right note. This includes checking out the company website and doing some online searches to get a better idea of the work environment. It can also be helpful to actually ask what type of attire to wear beforehand, especially in contexts where a candidate feels unsure.
Also note that people tend to feel more confident and secure in clothes that they actually enjoy wearing, so it is a good time to reach for an outfit that somebody already knows they love, or alternately, head out to select some new clothes just for the occasion. However, whatever a person chooses, they should be sure that the outfit looks well put together is free of wrinkles, stains, holes or anything else that will not leave the right type of impression.
Keep in mind that people responding to immigration ads are not exempt from dressing up for a video interview. The only exception is if the interview will be done over a non-video format like a messenger app, but even then, it is a good idea to be ready just in case the interviewer decides to switch over to video.
Stay Positive
When it comes to presenting oneself in the best light, positivity is the name of the game. A lot of common interview questions are designed to reflexively elicit negative responses, so be sure to show up prepared not to take the bait.
As a general rule, shoot to put a positive slant on any kind of response. For instance, during an interview in response to immigration ads or a domestic position, it is preferable for the candidate to focus on the fact that they are seeking out new opportunities rather than revealing everything that they didn’t love about their last work environment.
After all, a person who has negative things to say about a previous or current work is going to probably focus on the negative in terms of their future position as well, and that is definitely not the type of attitude that an interviewer is generally seeking out.
So essentially, it is important to always be mindful of tone when answering questions, and be sure to keep it upbeat. Practicing responses beforehand is the best way for a candidate to ensure that they never caught searching for words when it comes to putting a positive spin on things.
Follow Up
While it might seem like a mere formality, most interviewers genuinely appreciate a candidate who will follow-up to thank them for their time.
Even better, a short follow-up email or message will ensure that a candidate is on the top of the interviewers mind as it comes time to make a decision, and presents an opportunity to reiterate how enthusiastic a person is about a position, as well as mention anything important they may have forgotten to add during the interview.
