Part 6  Make A Great First Impression 建立良好的第一印象

    Once you get in front of a person who has the power to hire you, it is important to make him or her feel good about you. After all, there is a lot at stake for employers in the interview process. Their reputation is on the line, too. If they hire someone who winds up being totally incompetent or otherwise lackluster, it will be to their discredit. So, the first thing to do is to concentrate on making a good first impression. During the first 15 seconds of an interview, an employer will perceive you in two ways, one visual and the other tactile. You guessed it: Your appearance and your handshake go a long way toward making a good impression.

    To make the right first impression and sell yourself in an interview, you must prepare, start at the beginning, and never skip steps. Let's begin, using the job interview as an example. The first thing to do is to know your interviewer. Begin researching a company when you begin requesting interviews.

    Use a company's Web site, information from network contacts, or a library to get to know your interviewer. Understand what that company does, and try to get to know its culture, or personality. Any information, however trivial, may be used to your advantage during the interview.

    Dress properly to sell yourself. Your "interview suit" should be appropriate for the company and industry, and you should prepare to dress to sell well in advance of your interviews. If you aren't sure how "dressy" or how "casual" would be acceptable, go to the company and observe the employees, or simply just ask. It's perfectly acceptable for you to ask the person who arranges your interview about dress codes. It shows that you want to make the right impression. Remember that less is best with makeup, jewelry, and cologne, and the interview is not the place for to make fashion statements. It's better to be remembered as a totally prepared and professional applicant than "the one with the fuchsia? tie." If you need help in choosing interview clothing, visit a couple of established clothing stores and get opinions from professional clothing salespeople. You don't have to spend a fortune on suitable interview outfits, but you should plan ahead and get comfortable with your new clothes before the interview.

    You can use a pocket calendar. Keep accurate records. Record the date and time of each interview and take your calendar to your interviews, along with a few extra copies of your resume, copies of your references, a note pad, and a pen that works. As soon as your interview is over, record when you intend to follow up, or the date of a second interview.

    Know where your interview will take place, how to get there, and where to park. A dry run before the interview is a good idea. Arrive ten minutes early. Never be barely on time for an interview. Walk into the office ten minutes early. You will probably have to complete an employment application, so allow time. Good first impressions don't start by being late.

    Don't fidget. If asked to wait for your interviewer, do so patiently. Don't chew gum, smoke, or accept a soft drink or coffee. Sit quietly and mentally rehearse your interview agenda.

    Remember to smile, shake hands firmly and make sincere eye contact. When you are called for your interview, greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake. Allow yourself to be directed to his office and wait to be offered a seat. Keep your posture erect without being stiff, and sit with your legs uncrossed. Be comfortable, but don't slump down in your seat, don't accept refreshments, and do not touch anything on the interviewer's desk.

    Be observant. During the "small talk," look around the office. Are there trophies or pictures that suggest your interviewer's interest in sports? Are there family pictures and photo opts with prominent people? Be observant without being obvious-you never know when something you observe may be able to be used productively during the interview.

    You're supposed to control your interview. The "small talk" will be limited and your interviewer will begin. You should know why you are there and what you have to offer. Your agenda is to sell your strengths and get hired, so you must be alert to opportunities to get your points made. You must concentrate on what your interviewer is saying and the kinds of questions being asked.

    Listen and hear everything, and respond accurately and briefly to each question. The interviewer is leading, but you can control the direction of an interview by having a prepared agenda and concentrating on opportunities to slide your selling points into the conversation.

    Do listen and hear. If you're asked if it's raining, don't describe the dark clouds. Listen to the question and address the question. Interviewers don't like to hear evasive answers. If you don't know the answer to a question, say so, and tell your interviewer you will get the information for them in the next day or two.

    Have questions prepared. You will probably be asked if you have any questions. If you prepared well, you should have some questions ready, like who your supervisor would be if you're hired, where your work station would be, would there be regular performance reviews, and what would be the next promotion level.

    Never leave an interview empty-handed. When your interview ends, make sure you know your interviewer's name, title, and mailing address, and ask what happens next. Will there be a second interview, and if so, who will be conducting it and when will it take place? Do you have a hiring timetable? Would it be all right to follow up in a few days? Is there any more information that would help you make a favorable decision?

    If you want this job and feel you are a good match, say so. Let your interviewer know you're ready to accept and exactly when you would be available to report to work. Be assertive without being obnoxious. Close your sale.

    Post interview notes. As soon as you get to your car, or home, make notes about what went well and not so well during your interview, and make sure you record any follow up or second interview in your pocket calendar. You can't follow up if you don't follow through!

    Mail or hand deliver your thank-you note within 24-hours of your interview-this is a must! A hand-written thank-you note on plain paper is fine. Make it brief and courteous. Thank your interviewer for the time and interest, and if you want the job, say so again. Then make plans to follow up on your interview, and continue your job search activity. Your sale is never completed until a start date has been offered.

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