An old adage tells us that first impressions are the strongest and most memorable. I suppose that’s probably pretty true, but it’s not conclusive. The advice is valuable because it does remind one to carefully consider how we present ourselves in the way we write, speak, act, dress, and more. American fiction writer Lois McMaster Bujold deflates the power of the old adage a bit while acknowledging first impressions matter. Bujold writes, “A stunning first impression was not the same thing as love at first sight. But surely it was an invitation to consider the matter.” That take seems pretty close to the truth.
Your first impression on an employer is generally your resume. And while a resume probably won’t seal the deal, an impressive, convincing resume certainly wins an invitation to the interview. Then, another first impression? Beyond how you dress, what spectacular first words can you utter to make a positive, memorable, distinctive first impression when you meet your interviewer?
Do some research, and then it could be that simply being yourself works the best.
ESTABLISH RAPPORT
When it comes to a call back after the first interview, Wall Street Journal’s Sue Shellenbarger reports, “One factor, new research shows, has a larger-than-expected impact on the outcome—the job seeker’s ability, within the first few minutes of a meeting, to spark an elusive form of interpersonal chemistry called rapport.” The first few minutes. You win or lose in the first few minutes? Perhaps. But don’t panic—not now, and certainly not then. Remember: it’s not love at first sight: it’s about simply getting the employer to consider the matter.
When you do a little research about who your interviewer is, get to know your interviewer by way of social media or word of mouth, you’re setting yourself up for success on this important first impression. But remember, a good first impression isn’t about showcasing your business acumen with high-sounding words or theories. It’s about showcasing your simple humanity. It’s about establishing simple trust. According to Shellenbarger, a recent American Psychological Association study found, “Candidates who managed to find common ground with interviewers and spark a sense of trust before the interview received higher overall scores from interviewers than those who performed equally well on the interview but failed to generate that early sense of connection…”
NO SILVER BULLETS
Appropriately, I think, Shellenbarger doesn’t offer any silver bullet for establishing trust. Her big point is that establishing a good rapport early in the interview depends . . . on a lot. For instance, one employer who reportedly loathes mindless banter “was surprised and pleased seven months ago when . . . a candidate for a marketing-related job, bypassed the small talk and dove right into his ideas for helping the company.” So, the best approach is to dive right in? No. Not at all. Shellenbarger cites one humorous first exchange that started “by joking about the long walk between the lobby and the client’s office.” Important context: the interview was with a marketing firm’s Chief Comedy Officer (yes, Chief Comedy Officer…a job I need). So, the best bet is to be sarcastic? No. Not at all.
DO your HOMEWORK
Here’s the best bet: “Doing your homework can help,” Shellenbarger writes. Know the personality of agency or firm or office. Know who you’ll be talking to. Then, be you. Be genuine. The goodness of a first impression could very well be how unmemorable it is—it just got everyone to relax, and it’s forgotten. As Shellenbarger explains, rapport is elusive. It happens, or it doesn’t. You spark interest in a memorable way, or you don’t. A lot of it is chemistry. And if you don’t happen to get the call back, review your approach, certainly, but don’t fret and don’t second guess yourself crazy.
Not working for a particular organization could be the best thing that ever happens in your climb to the top.
