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You’ve studied hard, passed your exams and now you’ve nailed a job application. Congratulations are in order – you’ve done a fantastic job so far! There’s just one final hurdle before you step into that job you’ve been striving so hard for: the job interview.
If you’ve landed a job interview, this is your chance to share your academic history and achievements, previous work experience (whether that’s previous jobs or work integrated learning), extra-curriculars and anything else that helps you stand out from the pack.
But, while so much of what makes you employable is already under your belt, one of the most important parts of the job-hunting process is still to come: making your first impression. It’s easy to overlook the importance of a first impression at a job interview, but it can be the difference between landing the role or heading back to the job ads.
Ready to make a great first impression at your job interview? Let’s find out how, with the help of Deakin University’s lecturer and organisational psychologist, Joshua Wood.
Having a great CV or graduating top of the class might seem like the most important factors in job hunting success – and they certainly make a big difference. But, with limited interview time, first impressions at a job interview matter more than you might think.
‘First impressions can matter in a job interview more than in other situations, because the interviewers only have a very limited sample of your behaviour – maybe 30-45 minutes,’ Wood says. ‘If they were to hang out with you for a few days, watching you work and seeing you mix with others informally, they would get a fuller, more balanced (and hopefully very flattering!) picture of who you are day-to-day.’
First impressions are also important at a job interview because it can be difficult to change someone’s mind once they’ve formed an opinion of you (‘So applicants want that opinion to be a positive rather than a negative one,’ Wood says). Plus, there’s the phenomenon known as confirmation bias.
‘Confirmation bias means that once someone has formed an impression, even unconsciously, their minds will have a tendency to notice things that confirm that initial impression, and ignore things that are contrary to that impression,’ says Wood.
Have you ever been introduced to someone and found them instantly charming and likeable? Or maybe you found them rude and disagreeable? These sorts of moments might not reflect the person, necessarily, but it doesn’t take long to make a first impression.
‘Impressions can often be made surprisingly quickly, within just a few seconds,’ says Wood. ‘Research on thin slicing shows that people can even make moderately accurate judgements about some personality traits based on a few seconds of video of someone.’
These nearly instant impressions are typically based on physical appearance, faces (which can include impressions like ‘warmth, power, competence, and health’) and plenty of other factors. Remember, though – just because we make split-second judgements, it doesn’t mean they’re always right. ‘It is also possible to make terribly inaccurate judgments if interviewers are less experienced and if their own biases interfere with their objectivity,’ says Wood.
‘First impressions are often formed with a mix of conscious and unconscious evaluation, based on a person’s clothes, body language, handshake, and voice, quite apart from what they say,’ Wood says.
There’s a lot to consider when making a first impression at a job interview. So,. let’s take a look at some ways to cultivate a positive first impression and really nail that interview.
For new grads, a job interview can be intimidating. You’ve spent years studying just to get here, and now it feels like everything is riding on the interview, right?
If you’re nervous about making a great first impression at your job interview, that’s completely normal. Remember, most of the hard work is already behind you. And as for those impressions, just keep a few of these first-time job interview tips in mind.
The phrase ‘dress to impress’ is rarely more relevant than at a job interview. As Wood says, dressing to a certain standard can send the message that you’re right for the job and help make a good first impression at a job interview.
‘Even if you are technically brilliant, appropriate attire can be a sign that you are willing to fit in with the organisation, seriously want the job, and will be able to work well with others,’ he says.
So, what should you wear to your first job interview, then? Wood says that traditional attire can be a smart choice in an interview. ‘Although ties are decreasingly worn day-to-day, outside of important client-facing meetings, interviewers generally won’t mind if you are dressed up – it sends a lot of positive signals,’ he says. ‘More conservative organisations, such as large accounting and banking firms, will often expect this, at least for the interview.’
When in doubt, neat and smart clothing is always a good choice for a job interview. Go for clothing like dress shoes, trousers or a skirt, and a nice shirt.
Some interviews might include a task as part of the hiring process, like writing an example article if you’re interviewing to be a writer. Generally, though, most interviews are structured conversations with set questions. Being prepared for these situations and questions is essential to making a great first impression at a job interview.
So, what do you say at your first job interview, then? Interviewers will mostly want to learn about how your life or work experience aligns with the necessary skills or competencies. It’s not always easy to know what interviewers want to hear, but Wood says the key is to avoid generalisations.
‘For example, “I’m good at communicating with people and have done it in all my jobs” is not the right way to answer,’ he says. ‘The correct way is to focus on one specific example, such as, “In my role as a server at X café, I once had a customer who complained, I used my communication skills first by listening carefully to what they said and paraphrasing to check I understood…”. You are recounting a particular event.’
Common interview questions to expect for your first job interview
Every job is different, but interviewers often ask similar questions. Preparing some answers in advance can be a big help in making a great first impression at your job interview. Here are some common questions you might be asked for your first job interview:
Job interviews can be stressful and nerve-wracking – but they can also be life-changing. Even if you’re unsuccessful in the end, job interviews are excellent for building your professional experience.
One important thing to remember about making a first impression at a job interview is that impressions aren’t necessarily set in stone. There’s always time to turn it around.
‘While the primacy effect means people tend to remember what happens first, the recency effect also means they will tend to remember what happens last, so if you start in a mediocre way, you can work your way back into the interview and leave them with a positive impression,’ Wood says.
And remember: you’ve done all the hard work to get the interview, and you deserve to be there. Relax, be kind to yourself and enjoy the interview process. And good luck!
