How to make a good impression during the application process

by stepupyourcareer.net

Throughout the years I have been amazed at what an ‘employee wanna-be’ would do to screw up the hiring process. It all starts with first impressions. There are NO do-overs.

The best way that I can explain the importance of first impressions is through the errors of other so-called professionals. As a key decision maker (KDM), I have personally observed the following real-life situations. I have used as much anonymity as possible to protect the guilty.

Pre-screening:

Resumes-errors, dishonesty, coffee stains (at least I hope.)
Cover letters-not matching job description, messages addressed to wrong company.
Uncouth social media messaging (you betcha I looked.)

Tip: First impressions start before the KDM has even met you. Prior to any job search, be sure to put your Facebook settings on high privacy. Clean up your social messaging-even if it means temporarily unplugging FB, as your friends’ posts can be a reflection of who you are. Maintain a clean work space. Make certain your resume and cover letter is absolutely error-free and is modified to compliment any job in which you apply.

Telephone meetings-either scheduled or impromptu:

Answering machine messages-vile, cutesy, sexy, ill-mannered, barely understandable voice.
Background noises-children shrieked, dogs barked, television bellowed, another phone rang, paper rattled and I have even listened to what sounded like the applicant texting while talking to me.
Poor etiquette-Child answered phone and screeched into phone for Dad to pick up. Adult answered phone and without offering to take a message asked ME to call back later because applicant was still sleeping (early afternoon.)

Tip: As a rule of thumb, I lean towards only putting the home phone number on the resume. Before a job search assemble all of the house residents and set telephone etiquette rules. When this is not an attainable action, use your cell phone number only on the resume and cover letter. However DO NOT ANSWER the PHONE if you are not at the top of your game, e.g. driving through a fast food chain. Let it go to your answering machine. Put the kids away and call back after you have researched the company and can present greater composure, thereby giving a very professional first impression.

Prior to in-person interviews:

Entering premises-drove into the parking lot with head-banging music on full blast.
Parking lot grooming-put on lipstick, checked nose debris, threw out cigarette into company parking lot, sniffed pits-scratched, readjusted various body parts.
Lobby wait -talked on cell phone, rude/snobbish to receptionist, flirted with receptionist, inappropriate wondering eyes, paced, went back out to have a cigarette, brought in their own refreshment, used lobby bathroom for daily constitutional.

Tip: Prior to any in-person interview make a pit stop at least one block before you pull into the company parking lot. Take care of any last minute grooming and bathroom necessities, finish your smoke, de-fume yourself so you do not smell like an ashtray in closed quarters, turn the music down, and turn off the cell phone. First impressions start with the receptionist. They are the eyes and ears of the company and it is their duty to be the corporate snitch. Remember, once you hit the parking lot corporate eyes, ears and noses will be all in your business.

The interview itself:

Tardy-late, ran in at last minute.
Health-blew/wiped nose then reached out to shake a hand.
Appearance-untidy (e.g. wrinklemania,) non-professional or inappropriate attire, TMS (too much skin.)
Poor body language-slouched, yawned, leaned away, crossed arms.
Cell phone-rang, vibrated.

Tip: Be on time-no excuse! Dress professionally-no excuse! Leave the phone in the locked car. Carry pocket-size antibacterial hand sanitizer if you have a nasal drip and use it. Do what your mamma told you and sit straight and pay attention.

Yes-when I think I have seen it all – I am sure you can make my jaw drop even more.

Job seekers: learn what NOT to do from errors of your predecessors.