We all know the importance of a good first impression whether in a social or a business setting. As the saying goes, perception is reality. One of the most important first impressions you'll make in the course of your life is in interviewing for a job. That impression is embedded in the interviewers mind, often within seconds. Once it's formed, it is their reality. If you somehow make a less than stellar impact on them, you face a decidedly uphill climb in turning their decision in your favor.
Consider this: The decision as to whether you are a viable candidate or not is generally made within the first 30 seconds to one minute of meeting you. It is that fast.
I know that sounds astonishing, but it is true. They won't decide to hire you that fast, but they will decide to eliminate you that quickly. Is that fair? No, probably not. It is however, reality.
We all know the basic things involved in making that first impression a favorable one and casting yourself in the best light. Common sense practices such as arriving 15 minutes early and never being late; dressing appropriately; a firm handshake stopping short of a vice grip; positive eye contact; a warm smile; and having your resume and documentation organized and ready combine to form a powerful initial statement of who you are to a prospective employer.
What I am sharing with you today, though, is one of the most unusual first impressions I've encountered in my years interviewing and dealing with clients in the recruiting world.
Years ago, I worked closely with a recruiter in the sales department of a major national recruiting firm. He and I often dealt with the same candidates even though we had different client bases. One afternoon we both interviewed a candidate who impressed both of us and who wanted to secure a sales position, preferably with a telecommunications company.
My friend, the fellow recruiter, specialized in placing sales representatives in that particular industry and knew one of his clients would be perfect for this individual. After a conversation with his client wherein he presented this outstanding candidate and extolled his virtues, the face-to-face interview was set and confirmed.
As is common protocol for a recruiter, post interview follow-ups are the rule. We debrief the candidate thoroughly as to his impression of the interview, what was discussed, his concerns and level of interest, and desire to pursue the position and company further. Then, the same basic conversation is had with the client as to his perceptions of the candidate.
The candidate was thrilled and assured my fellow recruiter that the interview could not have "gone better" and that he "wanted the job" and was "excited." My fellow recruiter was pleased until he talked to his client. You see it takes two to tango.
Here is the feedback from the perplexed client. When he entered the reception area to greet this individual and escort him back to his office for the interview, he was initially impressed. His image was fine. He'd worn a professional business suit, clean crisp shirt, nice tie and he seemed relaxed and confident. When this well-dressed young man stood up, everything changed.
The candidate was barefoot. His socks were neatly folded and tucked into his highly polished wingtips, sitting side by side next to him, resting on the floor. The interviewer kept his composure and introduced himself as did the candidate, shaking hands. At that point, the shoeless and sockless candidate picked up his briefcase in one hand, his shoes in the other, and informed the interviewer he was ready and excited to be there. The manager further reported that he had hesitated for a moment, furtively glancing at the shoes and halfway expecting him to put them back on or at least say something by way of explanation, but it quickly became apparent that wasn't going to happen. He led the candidate to his office and did conduct the interview. However, as you might expect it was short, perfunctory and a professional courtesy. The candidate apparently sat back down in the reception area before he left, put his socks and shoes back on, and went merrily on his way.
When my friend, the recruiter, inquired of the candidate in the next phone call why he had taken his shoes off, the candidate informed him in a straight-forward and unapologetic way: I was nervous while I was sitting there waiting, and being barefoot always relaxes me, so I took my shoes off. I think it helped a lot.
Not so much.
Being nervous before and even during an interview is a normal inclination, but there are many less obvious ways to relieve your stress than to free your mind by freeing your toes. In short, keep your shoes on!
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I smiled throughout the entire reading of this article. I have not been on a interview for many years. I am one of those people who never quit working. But I do remember how fast my heart was beating when I went for my first interview. I was so nervious I thought I would faint. My stomach churned and the tip of my nose sweated. I promised myself that I would never put myself through trauma like that again. I was hired 2 days later and I refused to quit because I don't usually make good first impressions, It takes time for me to grow on people. Now I conduct interviews and I go out of my way to make people comfortable because of my bad experiences with interviews. Thanks for the article. It brought back many memories.
» left by Mark Ste. Marie(230) Mark Ste. Marie (103 days 2 hours ago.)
Jena, thanks for the comment. You are not alone. The majority of people get nervous when interviewing. This was a rather unusual way of dealing with the stress.
» left by Mark Ste. Marie(230) Mark Ste. Marie (103 days ago.)
Laura, it is a true story. Hard to believe but weird things do happen. No, you'd have to go quite a bit to not do well in an interview if you keep this hapless cnadidate in mind.
So, So true! First impressions and appearances do matter. I can certainly attest to this as I own my business and am in full control of hiring and firing. Employers as well as society judge you by the way you look, talk and act. This is a proven fact so get over it - accept it- and adapt! Or sit home jobless!
Mark the wording "CRUCIAL" is still an understatement - though there is'nt really a better word. Like I said I own my business - I am 31 years old and somehow I under stand this, most people older than me understand this concept. What I do not understand is how my age group and younger cant seem to grasp this concept - I guess they just do not care! They interview in cut off shorts and flipflops or clogs and a T Shirt! I love dressing that way too but understand that there is a time and place for it. I own a Plumbing Company we do alot of service work - we live in the Richest part of the state. Alot of our clients are multi-millionaires - If you don't look just right "professional/respectable" you WILL NOT be going into their homes!
I really believe a lot of my generation and younger are a lost cause - because (1) they don't want to work, (2) they don't care and (3) they don't want to work ;-) ENOUGH, I am now off my soap box.
Hello - great example - almost unbelievable - but so true! Amazing how we interpret our own behavior compared to how others see us. Great story that makes it all amusing - and insightful.
This is hilarious and it's hard to believe that someone actually did this and thought it was okay. It could have been worse, though. He might have been a person who felt more relaxed when he was completely nude. lol
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