白领美丽英文诵典365 -011 Make Right First Impression（在线收听）

Day11

Make Right First Impression

During the first 15 seconds of an interview, an employer will perceive you in two ways, one visual and the other tactile. You guessed it: Your appearance and your handshake go a long way toward making a good impression.

To make the right first impression and sell yourself in an interview, you must prepare, start at the beginning, and never skip steps.

Begin researching a company when you begin requesting interviews.

Use a company's Web site, information from network contacts, or a library to get to know your interviewer. Understand what that company does, and try to get to know its culture, or personality. Any information, however trivial, may be used to your advantage during the interview.

You "interview suit" should be appropriate for the company and industry, and you should prepare to dress to sell well in advance of your interviews. If you aren't sure how "dressy" or how "casual" would be acceptable, go to the company and observe the employees, or simply just ask. It's perfectly acceptable for you to ask the person who arranges your interview about dress codes. It shows that you want to make the right impression. Remember that less is best with makeup, jewerlry, and cologne, and the interview is not the place to make fashion satements. You don't have to spend a fortune on suitable interview outfits, but you should plan ahead and get comfortable with your new clothes before the interview.

Keep accurate records. Record the date and time of each interview and take your calendar to your interviews, along with a few extra copies of your resume, copies of your references, a note pad, and a pen that works. As soon as your interview is over, record when you intend to follow up, or the date of a second interview.

A dry run before the interview is a good idea. Arrive ten minutes early. Never be barely on time for an interview. Walk into the office ten minutes early. You will probably have to complete an employment application, so allow time. Good first impressions don't start by being late.