10 Ways to Make a Good First Impression

Your résumé stood out among the others. You made it through the phone screen. Now it’s time to meet your potential employer in person. This is “do or die” time – an opportunity that cannot be missed.

Ford R. Myers, career coach, speaker and author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring,” suggests  job candidates follow these 10 guidelines to make a good – and lasting – first impression.

1. Be mindful of the other person’s time. Ask how much time the other person has to devote to the meeting, and hold to that time frame.
2. Ask questions about the company and the open position.
3. Dress appropriately.
4. If you were referred by a mutual friend or colleague, be sure to reference that person in positive terms. This helps build a “personal bridge” and establish rapport.
5. Takes notes throughout the interview. This shows that you are interested and engaged enough to be taken seriously.
6. Arrive at the meeting on time. This shows that you respect the other person and that you are a true professional.
7. Be fully prepared. Learn everything you can in advance about the company, the opportunity, and the interviewer.
8. Make a connection between your past successes and how they relate to the prospective employer’s needs and challenges.
9. Present yourself as a solutions provider rather than an applicant. Offer to be of service and show genuine interest in helping the interviewer solve his/her business problems.
10. Follow-up with a timely thank-you note. This is a must!

“In today’s tight job market, so few job seekers actually make it to the interview stage. By incorporating these simple suggestions into the interview process, job seekers will make a good first impression, be memorable, receive better feedback, and ultimately get more job offers,” says Myers.

Reprinted by permission of Ford R. Myers, a nationally-known Career Coach and author of "Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring."