INFOGRAPHIC: Job Interview Cheat Sheet – Master Your First Impression

We have all felt anxiety before a job interview. No matter how confident we are, knowing that we will be judged on more than just our knowledge and that we have only a small window of opportunity to make a good impression is certainly nerve-wracking.

Knowing that interviewers form an impression in 1/10 of a second, it is imperative that we do everything in our power to make that first impression count. So, let’s start from how we look. Dressing to impress is always a good option, opting for a formal look, and the colour blue tends to be the best choice. Now that you are dressed, it is important to take the initiative to introduce yourself, thus creating a more comfortable situation and showing initiative.

When talking, it is important to pay attention to the tone of your voice, since 38% of person’s first impression is determined by it. The key is to find that balance, to seem calm but still cheerful. Then the only thing left is to get informed about the company and your interviewers, so that you can ask the right questions and give the right answers.

The second part of the first impression belongs to the non-verbal communication, since 93% of people’s judgments of others are based on this type of input. Good posture, nice smile, and eye contact are essential for making good impressions – avoid crossing your arms since that sends a negative signal to whomever you are talking to. A good firm handshake is a must, as is leaning slightly forward in order to show that you’re engaged and interested in what they have to say.

In order to find more great tricks to make your job interview go without a glitch, check out the infographic below: