How To Win The First 10 Minutes Of The Job Interview

One of the biggest secrets of Corporate Recruiters and HR Managers is how quickly we decided if a candidate was a fit within a few minutes of the job interview.

Of course we still do our due diligence but most Recruiters and HR Managers will admit that they have made a decision in the first 10 minutes of the job interview.

You only get once chance to make a first impression but this takes it to a whole new level. When I coach our members, I stress the importance of the first 10 minutes.

Making a strong first impression gives you a competitive advantage. The way you look, dress, walk, talk, smile and answer questions, this process is very simple when you follow key steps to make an impact in the first 10 minutes.

So, what really happens in the first 10 minutes?

How To Win The First 10 Minutes Of The Job Interview

1) Your Arrival

Always arrive early, at least 10 -15 minutes before your interview. Not 30 minutes to an hour. You look ridiculous sitting in the lobby. If you are late, you better have a really, really , really good reason. A major emergency. And if that’s the case, you must call in advance and let your interviewer know. If you can, go to the interview location a few days before so you know exactly where you are going on the day of the interview.

On the day of your interview, enter the building with confidence. Take a deep breath, relax and yes, grab a breath mint. Never hurts. Walk into the building and introduce yourself to the receptionist if there is one. Smile and be warm and friendly as you wait for the interviewer. Most recruiters ask the receptionist for their opinions.

Do not sit down. Seriously, NEVER EVER sit down. Even if you are offered a seat. Stay on your feet so you are alert and ready. You appear more confident and command attention when you are standing. That’s the look we are going for.

Walk around the waiting area, study product displays, read internal company newsletters and any plaques or awards on the walls. Get a feel of the corporate environment. Be polite to everyone you meet. Smile and be friendly as people walk by. Everyone in the building is a potential manager, interviewer or colleague.

2) Introduction

Remember to always stand tall, shoulders back and relaxed. On first meeting your interviewer, make eye contact and smile immediately.

Give a firm handshake and be confident. Understand that they will be analyzing everything about you including your appearance, posture, eye contact and smile. Establish rapport immediately by being warm and friendly and try to make a personal connection. Show your enthusiasm as you prepare to start the interview.

You will follow the interviewer to a meeting room. Allow the interviewer to lead the way and follow behind him or her. Chit chat and make small talk as you walk. Mention something you know about the company’s latest news if possible.

When you enter the meeting room, allow the interviewer to sit first and show you where to sit. Get settled and leave enough personal space between the two of you. Be sure to thank them for taking the time to meet with you.

3) Open With An Impact

After the small-talk and chit-chat, the interviewer will begin the formal part of the interview with standard interview questions. The first few interview questions in a job interview are introductory questions like “Tell Me About Yourself” and “Describe Your Work Experience” or “Walk Me Through Your Resume”.

Also Read : 15 Resume Writing Tips that will help you get hired

Then you will most likely be asked why you are interested in the job and why you are looking for work. If nothing else, prepare these answers in advance and know how to tell your story.

Use our 3 ME Formula to develop polished answers that are articulate and sell you as the best person for the job. Every moment counts in the first 10 minutes and it’s usually the most predictable part of the interview which is great news for you.