So much of a job interview is impacted by the first impressions. From your very 1st handshake, the hiring manager has already made subconscious judgments about who you’re by things such as your face, your outfit, how you walk, and so much more.
First impressions are very significant when you’re attempting to impress a hiring manager but the reality is there are few things you can do before you even set foot in the door. There are several small cues that hiring managers look for, even without realizing it, that impact how much they are impressed by you.
Top Four Ways to Impress Hiring Manager Before You Walk In
Be On Time
It should go without saying, but those that indicate up even a few minutes late, or those that require calling and asking for directions because they got lost are already making a poor first impression. You will need to make certain you have planned your route, gotten a head start, and ideally you show up at least five minutes before your interview’s scheduled time if you need to have any possibility of impressing the hiring manager.
Prepare Your Online Presence
These days, almost every single hiring manager is going to search for data about you through Google before your interview. If you’ve impressive items, such as an excellent LinkedIn account, a personal website, professional social media accounts, and no negative data, you will be capable to make a very positive impression on the hiring manager before you even meet them at the job interview.
Sending Additional Supplementary Materials
For jobs that might have sample items, such as a portfolio, links to research papers, etc., sending in these additional materials for review an hour or so before the interview indicates that you are excited for the position and ready to show your worth. Although, the caveat as always is that the materials have to be of a high enough quality to assist you get the job. If you don’t have a great portfolio, there is no requirement to send anything extra.
Obtaining Your Suggestions
If you’ve anyone you know that works for the company, or you‘ve any people of status that are ready to suggest you for the role, you may need to consider having them contact the hiring manager beforehand. Hearing that individuals are willing to go out of their way to recommend you can make a great first impression on any hiring manager before you have walked through the door.
The job interview is yet going to be the number one place for you to make an impression. But there are ways that you can influence a hiring manager even before you’ve stepped foot inside. Take these concepts into account before your job interview, and you might see your prospects improve as an outcome.