PART TWO- PREPARING FOR YOUR JOB INTERVIEWA RadiantCareers.com Career Development Series

A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

Prepare for a Job Interview with

+ First Impressions Checklist

©Radiant Senior Living 2018, RadiantCareers.com

1 “Interview Preparation: A Great First Impression”

Remember that a first impression only takes seconds, and you don’t get a redo. That means, how you present yourself online, look, smell, carry yourself, and speak - as well as what you say and bring to the table - all play a part in the interview process.

What does your online first impression look like?First impressions can actually happen before you even walk in the door. As we suggested that you check out a potential workplace online, many potential employers are doing a simple check of your online profiles as well. Public profiles and online articles are available for anyone to view and play a part in their first impressions of you as a potential employee. Note: Employers are still required to follow employment rules such as anti-discrimination laws, background check laws, and off-duty conduct laws. But, it is still wise to give your public profiles a once-over before applying to jobs.

Be ahead of the game and smart with your social media presence:• Make a LinkedIn account and request up to date references from friends and

colleagues for your profile. In conjunction with this, make sure that your LinkedIn profile has up-to-date employment information.

• Make sure you look professional in all of your social media profile pictures, especially on your LinkedIn. A smartphone photo is fine, just make sure your attire and posture look professional.

• Make sure to privatize or delete any pictures or posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blog platforms, online photo albums, and YouTube, that you would not want a prospective employer to see.

• If you have a blog you are proud of that has to do with the profession in which you are applying make mention of it.

Steal the Interview with a Great First Impression

“Interview Preparation: A Great First Impression” 2

What to wear...

Mastering a Great First Impression LookWhile no one wants to suggest you change yourself for a job, each company will have guidelines for appearance based on their industry and standards. Considering those standards before your interview will show potential employers that they will not have issues with you regarding their attire policies. Extra effort in your appearance may also make it appear that you are going to give extra effort on the job. As the saying goes, “Dress for the job you want.” For appearance, make sure that you are clean and have dry hair that is neat and presentable. Dress appropriately for the interview. If the company at which you are applying has a very relaxed dress code, they may tell you not to show up in sharp interview attire, in which case, business casual is a good bet. But never assume that casual wear will be fine for an interview.

Be Genuine, Be PoliteThe next areas to focus on for setting a good impression include facial expression and body language. A potential employer wants to know the authentic you, so it’s not a good idea to put on a fake smile, but it is wise to show that you are optimistic, warm, and friendly. When you arrive for your interview, it should be no less than 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Make sure to check in and let them know that you have arrived. While waiting, you may be tempted to retreat into your phone, but try to resist that. Remember to have good posture and maintain a pleasant disposition while waiting. If you look bored and/or tired, that doesn’t reflect your readiness. Also, make sure your phone is on silent. An interview is not the time for texting or chatting on the phone.

What to bring...

Dress style can vary, but safe options usually include:• A business suit• A professional dress• A tailored shirt or blouse with

slacks or skirt and a blazer

• A sweater with slacks• Understated jewelry• Clean and neat hairstyle

Give second thought to wearing the following in an interview:• Shirts with sayings on them• Shorts• Jeans• Facial jewelry• Hair ties on the wrist

• Chipped nail polish• Heavy perfume or cologne• Scuffed shoes• Sandals• Sneakers

Make sure you have:• A professional bag, briefcase,

or purse• Work history information• Reference contact information

• Copies of your resume and cover letter

• A notepad and pens for taking notes

Interview Prep Worksheet: First Impressions Checklist©Radiant Senior Living 2018, RadiantCareers.com

First Impressions Checklist

Online First Impression

Update public profile photos to reflect a more professional appearance.Update privacy settings on all platforms.

Create or update LinkedIn profile to reflect up-to-date career information.Review all public platforms and delete any content that may be seen as unprofessional.

Telephone First Impression

Make sure your voicemail is easy to understand and includes your name.Practice answering your phone with a pleasant and professional greeting.Example: Try answering your phone with, “Hello, this is [NAME] speaking.”Practice smiling while you speak on the phone; it will be heard in your voice.Practice speaking slowly and clearly while on the phone.

Interview First Impression

Give attention to grooming. For example: trim nails, removed chipped nail polish, update your hair cut or color if necessary, tend to body odor, brush teeth, etc.

Wear professional attire and accessories. Double check that you have everything for your meeting including: Professional-looking bag Copies of resume & cover letter Contact info for references Notepad and pens for taking notes

Use the below checklist to get ready for your interview.

Reminders• Put away your phone while waiting.• Greet everyone you meet with a smile and a handshake.• Speak clearly and confidently.

Make sure your phone is on silent.