Welcome to The Score! Over the course of the next 10 weeks, MatchPoint Consulting Group will be publishing a blog series with interesting topics and valuable information geared toward all types of organizations and work environments that can be translated into any industry. Every Tuesday we will be posting to our blog, The Score, with topics ranging from important trends in the IT and Sales world (what we do here at MatchPoint!), to making a great first impression, as well as Social Media’s effect on growing your business. All fun and interesting topics meant to be a quick read; we know you are busy. We hope you enjoy today’s blog on The Score. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates on The Score and other thought-provoking
The Score this week is all about making the right first impression for an interview. According to Business Insider, you have seven seconds to make a first impression that will make or break your opportunity. Whether that be an employee of a company at a college career fair, meeting with a hiring manager, the CEO of your dream company, or a friend’s parent who is a Board Chairman helping you get a job, the first impression is key. Many know the classic three key points of a first impression: a firm hand shake, looking the person in the eyes, and saying their full name. I call these the “Big 3”, but there is a lot that leads up to those seven seconds, and most managers are looking deeper than we think. The Score today will feature ways outside the “Big 3” to ensure your first impression will land you your dream job.
The first thing on your mind should be your appearance. We are to dress for the job we want, not for the job we have. The way you present yourself tells someone a lot more about you in the business environment than you may think. When preparing your physical appearance for the interview we first want to make sure we are dressed appropriately: no wrinkles, stains, missing buttons or belt loops. Before the conversation even starts, the person you are meeting will begin to make observations and opinions as you approach them. This may not seem fair, but the inevitable truth is that you will be judged; however, you can take the proper precautions early. With a good appearance comes confidence and that is the key to being yourself. Investing in ourselves, being well groomed, and looking professional leads to a good start even before you begin to speak.
When making the first impression, showing confidence and knowing why you are there can go very far for you. Have a purpose and believe in it. Confidence affects your next moves and in result, your listening skills and body language will be better engaged in the conversation you are having. When asked what he looks for in a first impression, MathPoint’s own CEO and Founder, Craig Weintraub, spoke a lot about promptness and knowledge saying, “I’m looking for someone who is going to be on time, asks good questions, and most importantly, knows what we do as a company.” Knowledge, in many cases, will lead to confidence when having your first encounter in any professional or business interaction.
“One of my favorite sayings about a first impression is, ‘you only get to make a first impression once, so make sure it’s a good one’, I think that is the most important thing to know.” John Palumbo, Executive Vice Chairman at NeuHealth, LLC said this about first impressions. He also went on to say, “it can be the hardest thing to remember in the midst of preparing for an interview.” It takes precedent over all else when considering the grand scheme of our first encounters.
Although today’s blog was geared toward first impressions for an interview, this is all relevant for a general first impressions. An individual cannot do all of the above in seven seconds, which is why prior preparation is crucial. There is no standard right or wrong way for a first impression, no rule book, or official throwing a flag if you make a mistake or slip up. Take what you as the individual finds important and use it to fit your personality and style with confidence and clarity. There are certain things that each interviewer will look for and will represent their personality. Knowledge, confidence, and of course the “Big 3” will give you enough of a cushion to start an intelligent conversation and the more you practice, the easier they will become.
Get involved! Let us know what you look for in a first impression…