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The "Bull" About Job Interviewing
By
Jay Hollowell
A friend and colleague of mine, English Professor Ned Cummings, says that a job interview is much like the head of a bull. The two most prominent features are the horns. The first horn represents the first impression, the second horn the last impression and there is a lot of “bull” in between! That’s not to say that the content of the job interview is unimportant, only that your first and last impressions are crucial to interview success.
The interviewer will give you a good “visual once-over” and form a crucial impression of you during the first 60 to 90 seconds of the interview. Your first impression, the introduction, not only sets the stage, but it determines, right from the beginning, the success of the interview. If the first impression is poor, the rest of the interview is worthless. Good eye contact, a firm handshake (not a squeeze or a pull), a smile, conservative dress, and a professional, verbal introduction are the basic, but necessary, components of a positive first impression. Your verbal introduction includes your name (unless the interviewer calls you by name first), a salutation and your purpose. It can be as simple and direct as “Good afternoon Ms. Jordan. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am looking forward to my interview.” Of course, you and the interviewer both know why you are there, but referencing the interview gives a focal or reference point and shows that you are prepared.
Your last impression in the job interview is the icing on the cake. Whereas your initial impression yields the very first response from the employer, either positive or negative, your last impression is the last thing that the employer will remember about you. And what is the last thing that you want he or she to remember? That you want the job! So say it! Most applicants end an interview with a “thank you for your time and consideration,” and may also ask the employer when a hiring decision might be made (if the employer doesn’t mention it). This is fine. However, most applicants do not end with an affirmation. Try this, “Thank you for your time, Ms. Gordon; please know that I am very interested in this position!” Or you might say, “Thank you very much for your time and consideration, Ms. Jordan; if hired, I know you will not be disappointed in my performance.”
Though it may sound trivial, leaving that last thought with the employer (that you really want the job) can make an important difference in remembering you, particularly if several applicants have interviewed in line.
Sending a thank-you letter immediately after the interview is also a major part of your last impression. If appropriate, using e-mail is fine, but send a hard copy as well. The thank-you letter is not only a courtesy, but it’s a reaffirmation of your interest in the job. Here is a sample of a brief thank-you letter:
May 21, 2003
Ms. Marie Jordan
Director of Human Resources
Acme, Inc.
123 Main Street
New York, New York 01234
Dear Ms. Jordan:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for this morning’s interview. I enjoyed learning more about both your company and the position, and hope that I made an excellent impression.
I believe that my skills and experience match the responsibilities that we discussed. Please know that I remain very interested in the position and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jill Smith
Though the interview process may not be a “bunch of bull in between,” your first and last impressions, just like the horns on a bull, should be sharp, focused and to the point.
Jay Hollowell, the President and CEO of Hollowell, Davis, & Davis, Inc., is a member of TRI's Strategic Leadership Alliance and a new contributor to the Leadership Solutions Network. Click here to learn more about Jay and how to contact him!
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