You've made the decision to change jobs? You started searching for new vacancies? You're having plenty of interviews yet without expected results? You're unable to proceed to the next stage of recruitment. Why is this happening? Does first impression count?

I hope that the text beneath will help you understand how we, the consultants evaluate you, the Candidate during the interviews and what are fundamental errors in your self-presentation.

First impresion - apperance

The large, visible and brand-named clothing or gadgets don't usually mean that you're the best. This principle applies to both, Ladies and Gentleman. During the first handshake, this principle is being closely evaluated.

Gentlemen

Even if you dress fashionably on day-to-day bases, for an interview, you should prepare a classic-style outfit. Try wearing muted and elegant colours and you may also want to use some simple accessories. Remember that a Consultant spends about two hours with you so he/she has time to look at how you look, what you write with, and how the various elements of your wardrobe blend together.

Ladies

Remarks related to the Gentlemen are to some degree carried on to the Ladies, at least in terms of colours and the usage of perfumes. In addition to competence, experience and strong reference list, elegant professional attire is the foundation for establishing self-image.
Remember not to exceed the garish colours, both the makeup and costume. Do not be boring, try to add some style to your appearance by carefully choosing additional materials . Remember not to exceed them.
Try to look professional, since the first meeting is the only chance to leave behind a unique impression.

Few suggestions for ladies and gentelman

Do not exaggerate with prominence of designer clothing, or your noting gadgets. Good taste and classical outfit should be a guide for you before the meeting.
When selecting your dress remember that bright and vastly patterned tie diverts attention from what you say. Even too small grid on your shirt could lead the interlocutor to nystagmus. Be careful with perfumes and aftershaves (Gentleman), since too strong aroma can also divert attention. In addition, you can never be sure whether the person in front of you is allergic and may just get a sneezing attack.
Apart from clothing and the smell, there is also the so-called personal hygiene. Take care of your nails and hair because they can spoil everything.

Interview

The key to success is preparation and an awareness of own experiences. What we evaluate during the meeting, are the minimum: skills, personality, potential, charisma, flexibility, professional and emotional maturity. These and many other elements constitute a basis for making a decision, whether we can recommend you or not.

Few sugestions

Be well prepared before the meeting. Write down your achievements in relation to areas of team management (if you have such experience), what kind of methods you use at work for obtaining achievements. Note the tough decisions that you undertook in the past. Try to critically evaluate your own work style. Look for weaker elements for further development, since it is never the case that you can say - "I know and I can everything." Think about whom was your career mentor- did you have a business guide?
Listen very carefully, take notes. Avoid building long-standing stories and respond to questions precisely.
Ask questions, and during the conversation try to give some feedback in the form of a smile and/or by nodding your head. All that which is your body language is read outside the mainstream conversation, many non-verbal signals are received outside of consciousness.

Gentleman

You often forget that the purpose of the meeting is to exchange ideas and that it is important to respect the organizer. It happens that the gentlemen try to take control of the meeting. They dominate in a non-verbal way, unconsciously tilting towards the interlocutor. They seize the space around them by spreading their writing accessories or glasses on the table. They don't do this intentionally yet all is needed is little self-control to handle such behaviour.
During the meeting, the balance is most important. You should try to pursue it. Do not exaggerate with too much formality or nonchalance.
Partnership means striving for balance. If you assume that the person on the other side of the table knows as much as you, and maybe more, you have a chance to build a partnership. Of course, nothing should be done by force. Like in any profession, there are professionals and amateurs. So before the meeting, try to get a sense with whom you'll be talking to.

Ladies

Women are meticulous and detail-oriented. They monitor and evaluate by paying attention to minor details.
Do not forget that this is a conversation leading to changes in your career and not a plebiscite or evaluation of the person sitting on the other side, especially when it is a woman.
This doesn't happen often, yet sometimes women unconsciously flirt Consultants (Men) forgetting that they are being observed and assessed.
If you are uncertain of own behaviour, try observing yourself during meetings with colleagues and work associates. Note whether you tilt your hear or play with your hair. See if you bite, or lick own lips. Playing with clothes, bending toward the interlocutor, mending hair style etc. is all non-verbal communication, which is interpreted as expression of interest towards the person on the other side.
Remember that the purpose of the interview is to deliver maximum information about oneself in relation to: experience, knowledge, competence and what follows is an objective in a form of attained recommendations for further interviews with employers and finally success in a recruitment process.

In summary, remember that Consultants evaluate you on multiple platforms. You don't have the control or influence over what he/she observes and how that observation is later defined. Keep a neutral and to some degree open attitude. Always bear in mind that on the other side, there's just as good professional as you.

Good luck
Agnieszka Lalik-Mielczarek