There it is. An email reply to your job application with an invitation for an interview – an invitation
to make a first, personal, first impression. Aside from the excitement this can trigger, it is likely
to also make you nervous. Perhaps it might do you good to simplify things and remind yourself
that just like you, your interviewers also define their perception of the world – and will base their
perception of you – based on the 5 basic human senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste.
Evidently, approaching the preparation of your job interview by using the 5 senses as the key
guideline can ground you during your interview.
You are what you wear
Every person you meet creates a mental image of you, and when it comes to an initial job
interview you want to make sure that it is a positive and memorable one. It is by design that
during an interview you will be observed and you will be judged – almost as if you are a book
cover hoping to climb a top ranking chart. On that account it is of the essence that you pay
attention to all details of your attire, your personal appearance and your body language. While
the likelihood that you own a pair of flip-flops that go with your I-live-on-an-island vibe is
extremely high, this should not be your first-choice in footwear when preparing for a job
interview – no matter what the function is. Do not forget to iron your clothes, clean your shoes,
polish your glasses, make sure your nails and hair are well taken care of, sit straight and make
eye contact. These are merely a few details that you can use to your advantage to boost your
overall points in addition to your competences.
The power of your scent
Our sense of smell is intrinsically intertwined with our memory – it is psychologically able to
trigger a specific moment or person, ultimately even shifting our mood. We realize we have a
close connection with the Caribbean sun however that does not give us a free pass to come into
an interview with body odor or visible sweat stains. You want the interviews to be positively
influenced by your scent not repulsed by it.
Mind your tone
The steadiness of your voice, your choice of words and the speed of your speech will all have
an impact during your interview. It will help the interviewer gauge your character and
enthusiasm for the job function. Speak confidently when introducing yourself and do not be
afraid to ask questions.
Tempted to touch
A job interview is not a date. The only physical touch between you and the interviewer(s) should
be the firm handshake at the beginning of the interview. To calm your nerves it is also
recommended to keep a pen in one of your hands – this could decrease the amount of fidgeting
that occurs while you are speaking.
The sweet taste of victory
The only conclusion you want at the end of the recruitment process is the (figurative) taste of
victory. You want this job, you need this job – this is the reason after all you submitted your
application. Therefore, during the preparation and interview remember why you started. The
interview should leave you feeling satisfied as after all you gave it your best shot.
At the end of the day, it is imperative for you to realize that preparation is the key to a successful
interview and secondly to realize the weight of the above mentioned carries on your final
evaluation as the right candidate for the job.