Make good first impression a lasting one

Congratulations!! You landed an interview or better yet, a job! In either case, there are certain skills you’ll need in order to professionally interact with your future boss and co-workers. Those skills will be put to the test, both in the interview and the first few weeks on the job. It’s not quite enough to make a good first impression; you’ll need to make a good lasting impression as well.

Step 1
Make sure you’re appropriately qualified for the job, says Richard Seamans, an employment agent from Adecco Staffing Services in Blacksburg. Don’t oversell your qualifications, but don’t sell yourself short, either. “It’s worth contacting an employer if you have the skills set, even if you don’t have exactly what they specify,” he says. “For example, if the ad is for a computer programmer, preferably one with a college degree, and you have solid experience and knowledge about computer programming but no college degree, explain your experiences. Or if the job requires a good driving record and you got a ticket two years ago, tell them so right up front.”

If you want to work in retail or any job that involves money, employers are going to look much more closely at your math, speaking, listening, and computer literacy skills than they will at how well-versed you are in Shakespeare sonnets.

Step 2
Spend the time before your interview learning what skill sets are required in the job for which you’re applying. That means spending some time researching the company. Seamans says applicants should be prepared to talk about how they can make an active contribution. “Know what it is you’re looking for. Don’t just say, ‘I want to work here’ and not know anything about what the company does.” The Internet is the best source to do some research on the company; otherwise, try contacting the local chamber of commerce or library for information.

Step 3
Take action. Employers are looking for people willing to work. So make sure your actions:
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic by contributing to meet organizational goals, managing your time well, and taking personal responsibility for your actions.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude by taking direction willingly and acting in a pleasant and polite manner with customers, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Demonstrate independence and initiative by finding tasks to perform on your own, making suggestions for improvement and showing interest in making the organization more effective and productive.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance. Show up on time and don’t leave early.
• Demonstrate good self-presentation skills. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview. The applicant who looks well-groomed and put together is going to impress an employer more. Once you’re hired, make yourself aware of the company’s dress code and stick to it, even if others in the company are not following it.
• Participate as a team member to accomplish goals. Team players help the productivity of everyone around them, lifting the whole team. Attend team meetings, pass good ideas on to others, look for ways to help others, and acknowledge the good things your co-workers do.

Display these characteristics in your job interview and when you start working. It will reinforce to your employers why they hired you in the first place.

Summary
• Address your strong and weak points directly when applying for a job.
• Do your homework and research the company and position before heading in for an interview.
• Brainstorm ahead of time about what types of skills this job will require and highlight them both on paper and in person.
• Look, dress, and act the part of a professional.