You Only Have One Chance to Make That First Impression

When you're interviewing for a job, that first impression really counts. Don't inadvertently sabotage yourself by making a tiny mistake that crosses you off a job interviewer's list. Instead, follow these tips to make a good impression in your interview.

Be on Time

Arriving late to an interview can undercut everything you hope to accomplish. You send a message that you're unreliable, and you may have messed up the interviewer's whole day. She's going to remember you, but not for the right reasons. Do a dry run to practice finding where you're going and where to park, and give yourself an extra half hour on the day of the interview so you don't arrive panicked or flustered. Walk in exactly 10 minutes before your interview time to make a great first impression.

Dress up a Little

Even in the most casual offices, a job interview is not the day to wear jeans. Dress well for your interview to make a good impression, aiming to look slightly more professional and dressed up than the company's employees. Don't over-accessorize, and don't walk in trying to juggle your computer, tablet, umbrella, briefcase, handbag, cup of coffee, bottle of water and resume. Pick one reliable outfit for all your first interviews so you don't end up second-guessing yourself as you get dressed, then turn your focus to the interview itself.

Sit up Straight

Your body language makes a subliminal first impression wherever you go. The second the interviewer lays eyes on you, she is likely to make a judgment as to whether she thinks this interview is worthwhile. It's possible to change her mind with what you say in the interview, but make a good first impression right away. Walk in to the room with confidence, sit up straight and stay focused on the interviewer as you listen, and avoid fidgeting. Don't cross your arms during an interview; that sends a negative message.

Turn off Your Phone

When you're in a job interview, your focus should be solely in that room. Check your phone one last time just before you enter the building, just in case there has been some last-minute change to the interview. Then, turn your phone off and leave it off. Even if you have it tucked away and set to vibrate, everyone is likely to be distracted if it starts to ring, ruining the first impression you worked so hard to make.

Be Enthusiastic

Every job interviewer wants to hire someone who's excited about the job. Don't try to send a message that you're too cool to care. A job interview is a time to project energy and enthusiasm. If you send a non-verbal message that you're excited, your enthusiasm should spread to the job interviewer, who can then report to her boss what a good first impression you made.

Your job interviewer is going to decide almost instantly whether she's excited about your interview, starting the moment you walk in the door and greet her. Take these steps to make a great first impression, and get your interview off on the right foot.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net