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clemson.edu/career
CENTER FOR CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
/ClemsonCCPD
53
MAKING A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION
First impressions last. Employers often use the interview as a
way to confirm their first impression of you. You can turn this
to your advantage by making a positive first impression that,
in turn, sets a favorable tone for what happens during your
interview. Make a favorable first impression by offering a firm
handshake, dressing appropriately, arriving on time and being
friendly and courteous to everyone you meet.
ARRIVING ON TIME
Employers often use “being on time” as a measure of how well
a person will perform on the job. They assume that your actions
during an interview represent you at your best. If you arrive late,
they assume the worst about your work habits.
BEING FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS
Receptionists and administrative assistants are often asked for
their impressions of a job seeker. You may never know who has
a deciding vote on extending the offer. Be friendly and courteous
to everyone you meet at the interview. Do not be too talkative or
try too hard to impress.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY
Know the Company and the Product:
Do your research! This can be achieved through the use of the
following resources:
•
Thoroughly review the company’s website.
•
Contact employees. Getting an inside contact in an
organization is an important step in the networking
process and a major factor in job search success.
•
Contact the public relations office and have company
literature sent to you.
Facts Worth Knowing:
•
Relative size of the company and growth
potential
•
Potential growth for the industry
•
Array of services and/or product lines
•
The nature of the competition
•
Typical career paths
•
The organizational structure
•
Headquarter location and number of facilities
•
The kind of training provided
KNOW THE POSITION
By knowing about the position you will be better able to
match your strengths to the job description. Review the job
descriptions and employer profiles available in ClemsonJobLink
and/or any company information available in the career library.
•
What is the job description? What are the essential
functions that the person in this job will need to perform?
•
What are the expected working hours?
•
What is the work environment like?
•
Is the position compatible with one’s professional
and personal values?
ANTICIPATE WHAT THEY WILL ASK
Put yourself in an employer’s shoes and think about what you
would want to know if you were doing the hiring. You can predict
most of the questions they will ask!
Many questions are standard. You may have answered them to
get your last job. Some of them are new and will depend on the
specific situation or industry. The more you practice and think
about hiring from the employer’s point of view, the less likely you
will be taken by surprise.
BE BELIEVABLE
The way you answer questions can be as important as what
you say. Look directly into the person’s eyes. Give short, crisp,
smooth answers that do not sound memorized. Be sure not to
talk too much — 50% is a good rule of thumb. Modify your
verbal style and actions to match those of the interviewer.
Be honest, but not confessional.
Sit up straight and smile. Your body language has a big impact
on the impression that you create.
HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Say positive things about your former supervisors, previous
companies and working conditions. Show that you focus on
solving problems rather than broadcasting them. Find ways
to let them know you are a team player who will work overtime
to meet a deadline and are open to traveling if necessary.
Employers want to hire people who have a “can do” attitude!