Little things with big impact - the one percenters

It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanour, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

With every new encounter, you are evaluated and yet another person's impression of you is formed. These first impression can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo.  Making those first encounters work in your favour is extremely important for they set the tone for everything that follows.

First and lasting impressions within your control to send the right and best message include:

• Calling the point of contact when you see an opportunity and asking the right questions and saying the right things about yourself, so they anticipate your application positively.  Not waiting to immediately cull your application.
• Timeliness – arrive early to show that you’re keen and possibly receive the questions to be asked prior to being interviewed.  Know alternative routes to arrive to the interview, just in case of traffic congestion.  Look at bus as an alternative to train travel.
• Appearance – dress appropriately to show you respect the organisation and the position you’re being interviewed for
• Consistency and congruency of message – Your body language and what and how you speak should be consistent. Strong eye contact and reduced nerves.
• Preparing what to say – Don’t leave thinking about what to say until you’re in the interview.  While not under duress you can think clearly and give appropriate responses, when there are 1-5 people staring at you waiting for your response, thinking clearly and quickly is far more difficult.
• Quality of researching company – Demonstrate you go further than the other people being interviewed, but going beyond their website.  Look at Google, Facebook, Linked-In, ASX, etc.  Send the message to the employer that you’re thorough, you don’t leave much to chance. 
• Get into interview mode when walking to the building. Ensure you treat the reception person well.
• Send thank you email after the interview
• Honesty in your answers.  Maintain honesty in all your answers.  Just be careful that too much honesty may work against you.  I’m not promoting lying here, but be careful that sharing too much information at this point may be to your detriment.
• Take the time to analyse the question asked before giving your answer.  This shows you’re considered and careful in your approach
• Ask questions relevant to role.  Show that your focus is on the job, not your own needs.

All of these things help you send the right message to the interviewer to increase your chances of being 1% better than everyone else on each of the points above.

To know how you can achieve being 1% better than your competition in the points above, contact us on 1300 366 104 or email info@transciv.com.au.