Insider’s Tips on Making a Good First Impression

Sarah Hannigan, CHRP, is Human Resources Manager at Horwath Orenstein LLP, a member of an international network of Chartered Accounting firms. In this piece she provides advice on making the most of your interview.

Don't

Don't have a limp handshake. A good, firm handshake is part and parcel of a good first impression. If your handshake isn't enthusiastic and confident, it can give an interviewer a negative impression right off the bat.

Don't fudge the facts. You don't have a degree if you only took 95% of the courses required to graduate. It's close, but no cigar! Companies with good recruiting practices will check the facts on your resume so make sure they are accurate.

Don't be annoying. Perseverance is one thing, but calling a recruiter five times a day to follow up on the status of your resume or interview isn't going to get you any points. Strike a balance between interest and enthusiasm and driving the recruiter nuts.

Do

Do know your resume. Be prepared to answer specific questions related to the information provided on your resume. Whatever is on your resume is fair game - if you can't elaborate on what's there it gives the interviewer the impression that maybe it's not true.

Do follow up. It is crucial that you follow up on your interview with an email or a note. An interview is a two-way street and if you don't let your interviewer know you're interested in them after the initial meeting, you run the risk of falling off the radar. Plus, it's just polite.

Do know what you want. Be prepared to answer the stock interview questions: How are you managing your career progression? Where do you see yourself going in this industry/field/specialty area? Where do you see yourself in five years? If you don't know what you are looking for, it's hard for someone else to see where you fit.