We all know that first impressions are important. But did you ever think that the way you present yourself to interviewers, managers, and industry influencers is what’s keeping you from getting a job? Ultimately, the first impression you make is just as important, if not more important, than your resume, interview, and credentials. If it’s not a major deciding factor, it will at least influence the decision of the recruiter.
The good news is that you can make a better first impression by simply tweaking how you present yourself instead of having to change who you are. Below are some personality traits that you can use to make a better connection with anyone – especially those in a position to get you a job.
Be Assertive
Neither passive nor aggressive, assertive behavior simply suggests that you are focused and driven. It is especially useful in interviews because it signals your interest in getting the job, and helps you to get clear, specific information about positions/expectations/salaries etc.
Be Self Aware
If you don’t have at least some self awareness, you’ll never be able to identify the kind of impression you’re making. Before a meeting, interview, job fair, or conference, ask yourself how you are feeling, and determine how that will affect the way you interact with people.
Be Empathetic
In the same way that you need to be self aware, you should put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re interacting with. It’s possible to make a bad first impression not because of some fault in your character, but simply because you didn’t pick up on the mood of the other person and modulate yourself accordingly.
Be Effective
One of the surest ways to make a positive first impression is to identify the other person’s problems, and present yourself as someone who can fix them. Don’t claim solutions you can’t deliver. Instead, focus on the problems that you are uniquely equipped to solve. You’re much more likely to have a second conversation if you prove you have something to provide.
Be Positive
Positivity is always a more appealing trait than negativity. It’s also a lot less common. If you conduct all your professional interactions with a baseline air of optimism and possibility, you come across as the kind of person people want to have around the office, and want to have making decisions.
If you’re looking for new career paths and not finding the opportunities you’d hoped for, partner with the employment specialists at The Squires Group.
