Building a Strong First Impression

by John Gates

"…Most hiring decisions are based on the first impression formed within the first four minutes of the interview… knowing this fact can give you a huge advantage if you take the opportunity to learn a few simple principles…"

Learning to Control First Impression Judgments

Interview First Impressions

I can remember almost ten years ago learning that most hiring decisions are made in the first four minutes of an interview. The statistic was used to justify why interview skills training for interviewers was so important. Most interviewers make their decision about a candidate within the first four minutes and then spend the entire remaining time asking questions to justify their early impression.

My First Impression Research

At first, I didn’t fully accept the amazing four-minute first-impression statistic. I absorbed, digested, and tested the four-minute theory. I analyzed the interviews and decisions of hiring managers I supported. I observed my own interviews with candidates and the interviews of HR peers, and I came to realize that the research findings were true. Most opinions of candidates WERE formed within a very brief period of time. When studied, I had to admit that most hiring decisions I observed were very heavily influenced by first impression.

Part of my job as an interviewing skills trainer was to teach interviewers to recognize the power of the first impression and resist its overwhelming influence. The fact remains that most interviewers, sometimes even the trained ones, are overpowered by their first impressions of candidates. As a candidate, knowing this fact can give you a huge advantage if you take the opportunity to apply a few simple principles.

As a professional interviewer, I found I had to deliberately force myself to delay any judgment until all of my planned questions were asked, and the quality of my interviews improved.

The Smart Job Seeker

Unfortunately, the vast majority of hiring managers, recruiters, and interviewers are not well trained enough to avoid this common interviewing mistake. There are many exceptions, but the lion’s share of the folks in your job search will still be judging you in the first four minutes.

Given this fact, the smart job-seeker can shift the hiring odds in her favor by practicing, knowing, and understanding the art of a positive first impression.

Taking Advantage of the Four Minute
First Impression

The focus of this e-book will be to share the secrets of making a strong first impression. As a professional recruiter for nearly 15 years, I have interviewed thousands of candidates and witnessed both nasty and princely behavior. There are several pieces that make up the first-impression puzzle, and I’ll endeavor to cover each in detail.

By the time you finish this e-book, you’ll know the formula that will position you for a successful interview. The areas we’ll cover are in many ways common-sense, but some require practice:

  • Promptness – Tips and Tricks for maximizing the value of promptness.
  • Dress and Grooming – The Do’s and Don’ts of proper interview attire.
  • The Perfect Interview Handshake – Learning a proper handshake is critical.
  • Confidence and Poise – Learn how body language and eye contact can help or hurt you.

A SERIOUS WARNING:

For now, forgive me if I assume you know nothing about making a good first-impression, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you already know it all. Most people, including myself, are blind to their shortcomings. Be on your guard when you find yourself thinking, "Hey, I already know this, so I’m just going to skip it." Accepting these words from yourself can be one of the greatest enemies to your learning and advancement. There are several elements to a positive introduction, and even one small mistake in any one area can cause your dream job to get away from you. Invest time and practice, and master these elements. Become your own best salesperson, and you too can maximize the potential of a strong first impression.

Promptness

Dress and Grooming

Handshake

Confidence and Poise

Conclusion

Most of this e-book falls into the realms of common sense, but as a professional corporate recruiter, I have seen example after example of candidates who do not know or practice these basic tactics.

The majority of hiring managers are still making hiring decisions on instinct. Take advantage of that fact! The majority of your competitors won’t be as prepared as you to take advantage of the FOUR MINUTE FACT.

If you maximize the impact of the four basic tactics of Promptness and First Impression , Dress and Grooming, Handshake , and Body Language , you will be MILES ahead of the tangled competition. You will make a Strong first impression.

What's Next?

While many hiring managers are still relying on superficial instinct to make hiring decisions, and this article prepares you well for that crowd, many interviewers are very sophisticated and experienced and will look well beyond their initial impressions of you. While first impressions are critical to your success, it's equally urgent to prepare for deeper interviews.

I’ve written a new page, Interview Questions and Answers which includes Sample Interview Questions . These pages go into detail on how to maximize any interview opportunity. Tap into my experience as a Corporate Recruiter and professional interviewing skills trainer, learn the secrets, and kill the competition.

Additional Resources

Coming Soon!


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