"ATTITUDE LATITUDE IN A PRESENTATION NATION"
The title is just a fancy way of stating how important both ATTITUDE and the manner in which you PRESENT yourself are in a successful interview.
Regardless of whether your interview is with a recruiter or Human Resources; these two components play a major role in determining whether you will be introduced to key decision makers.
Attitude...When someone that is vibrant, energetic, enthusiastic and friendly comes to see me; I feel more motivated to refer them to my clients. It is basic human nature. Energy and excitement are part of the "sales" process. They must be present to ensure success. Conversely, when someone comes to me and offers the "dead fish" handshake and makes me feel that they are "going through the motions", I am far less apt to introduce them to my client. It has been my experience that a terrific attitude can often make up for a lack of experience. However, a bad attitude can disqualify the most brilliant, experienced candidate.
Bad attitude is conveyed in a number of forms. These include body posture, eye contact, level of enthusiasm and description of previous employment experience. I understand that looking for a job is frustrating...but nobody wants to see frustration or irritation on an interview. Yes, your previous boss may have been a giant @#$%^*....however you must focus on the positives about your previous/current situation. A prospective employer will assume that you will speak about them in the same manner when you make your move from them down the road! Don't come to any interview with the mindset that you are doing the interviewer a favor by just being there! I see so many candidates that appear fantastic on paper blow it by conveying an overwhelming attitude of disinterest. Do not sit back in a chair and get comfortable when you are interviewing. Be on the front edge of the chair, leaning toward the interviewer with anticipation! Lastly is the subject of eye contact. If you are truly shy....GET OVER IT! There is nothing more discourteous than a lack of eye contact when engaged in an interview. Think about how you have felt when trying to tell an important story to a friend, girlfriend or relative and they appear to be "somewhere else". They may be looking at the floor, the ceiling, the table...but not at you!
It's common sense people! Employers and interviewers are evaluating those things inherent in your personality. Communication skills, positive attitude, energy, enthusiasm and COMMON SENSE can not be taught!!!!!
Presentation...This relates to how you appear physically, as well as how you carry yourself. If you come to an interview in "inappropriate" attire or looking disheveled; this reflects upon your judgement. Interviewers have an idea/image in their head of what an employee of "XYZ" company looks like. This is part of the game. You need to give them what they EXPECT! Men and women should be in suits. Women can choose to wear a skirt suit or pants suit. You can never go wrong with the "NBG" theory of dress. This is that NAVY, BLACK or GREY are always OK! Try to avoid flourescents and pastels!!!! Of course, certain "creative" environments embrace a wadrobe that more truly reflects your personality; however you should always err on the side of being overdressed!
The manner in which you carry yourself plays a big part in the evaluation process. Personality is tipped off by the way you walk, talk to others, the way you answer questions, how organized you appear, etc. People carry themselves very differently. You always hear people make reference to this when it relates to maturity and cockiness! It is not uncommon to hear "she was just delightful...she carried herself like a polished professional". It is also not uncommon to hear "he was good on paper, but he carried himself like he was above everyone"!
Perception is a major factor in evaluation. You have the ability to shape perception in a number of ways. It is important to understand all that goes into the evaluation process. People want to work with and ultimately hire...people who they like! If nothing else; try to make yourself as likable or "desirable" as a prospective employee as possible! You have a lot more control over the way you are perceived than you may know!
"PAIN IS JUST WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY" - US MARINES SLOGAN
Regardless of whether your interview is with a recruiter or Human Resources; these two components play a major role in determining whether you will be introduced to key decision makers.
Attitude...When someone that is vibrant, energetic, enthusiastic and friendly comes to see me; I feel more motivated to refer them to my clients. It is basic human nature. Energy and excitement are part of the "sales" process. They must be present to ensure success. Conversely, when someone comes to me and offers the "dead fish" handshake and makes me feel that they are "going through the motions", I am far less apt to introduce them to my client. It has been my experience that a terrific attitude can often make up for a lack of experience. However, a bad attitude can disqualify the most brilliant, experienced candidate.
Bad attitude is conveyed in a number of forms. These include body posture, eye contact, level of enthusiasm and description of previous employment experience. I understand that looking for a job is frustrating...but nobody wants to see frustration or irritation on an interview. Yes, your previous boss may have been a giant @#$%^*....however you must focus on the positives about your previous/current situation. A prospective employer will assume that you will speak about them in the same manner when you make your move from them down the road! Don't come to any interview with the mindset that you are doing the interviewer a favor by just being there! I see so many candidates that appear fantastic on paper blow it by conveying an overwhelming attitude of disinterest. Do not sit back in a chair and get comfortable when you are interviewing. Be on the front edge of the chair, leaning toward the interviewer with anticipation! Lastly is the subject of eye contact. If you are truly shy....GET OVER IT! There is nothing more discourteous than a lack of eye contact when engaged in an interview. Think about how you have felt when trying to tell an important story to a friend, girlfriend or relative and they appear to be "somewhere else". They may be looking at the floor, the ceiling, the table...but not at you!
It's common sense people! Employers and interviewers are evaluating those things inherent in your personality. Communication skills, positive attitude, energy, enthusiasm and COMMON SENSE can not be taught!!!!!
Presentation...This relates to how you appear physically, as well as how you carry yourself. If you come to an interview in "inappropriate" attire or looking disheveled; this reflects upon your judgement. Interviewers have an idea/image in their head of what an employee of "XYZ" company looks like. This is part of the game. You need to give them what they EXPECT! Men and women should be in suits. Women can choose to wear a skirt suit or pants suit. You can never go wrong with the "NBG" theory of dress. This is that NAVY, BLACK or GREY are always OK! Try to avoid flourescents and pastels!!!! Of course, certain "creative" environments embrace a wadrobe that more truly reflects your personality; however you should always err on the side of being overdressed!
The manner in which you carry yourself plays a big part in the evaluation process. Personality is tipped off by the way you walk, talk to others, the way you answer questions, how organized you appear, etc. People carry themselves very differently. You always hear people make reference to this when it relates to maturity and cockiness! It is not uncommon to hear "she was just delightful...she carried herself like a polished professional". It is also not uncommon to hear "he was good on paper, but he carried himself like he was above everyone"!
Perception is a major factor in evaluation. You have the ability to shape perception in a number of ways. It is important to understand all that goes into the evaluation process. People want to work with and ultimately hire...people who they like! If nothing else; try to make yourself as likable or "desirable" as a prospective employee as possible! You have a lot more control over the way you are perceived than you may know!
"PAIN IS JUST WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY" - US MARINES SLOGAN
