As a wise person once said, “Fail to prepare and prepare to fail.” When it comes to making a first impression, preparation is key. Your career progression will involve numerous first impressions, whether in accounting support or payroll support. Mastering this skill can have far-reaching benefits for your career development.
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Putting your best outfit forward
“In the first minute and a half of an interview, about one-third of interviewers have already made up their minds.” — Zippia
While we hope to be judged by our contributions rather than our appearance, people still make assumptions based on how we look. Dressing polished and professionally for an interview can significantly influence whether you land the position.
The clothes you wear affect your body language. An outfit that boosts your confidence and allows for free movement can encourage open and receptive body language, making you appear more honest, confident, and approachable. Conversely, if you wear something that makes you uncomfortable, you might fidget or adopt closed body language, which can negatively impact the first impression.
Think of it as a visual cover letter: just as you would proofread and carefully craft your cover letter, you should put the same level of care into how you present yourself at the interview.
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Body language tips
An interview can be intimidating, but mastering your body language can help you build connections faster, appear more confident, and be more memorable. Here’s a rundown of open and closed body language signals to help you read the room and respond like a pro. For more details, check out Science of People.
Effective body language is crucial for clear and impactful communication. By refining your non-verbal cues, you can enhance interactions, build stronger relationships, and project confidence. Here are some practical tips:
1. Maintain good posture
Your posture reflects your confidence and engagement. Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back. Avoid slouching or crossing your arms, as these can signal defensiveness or disinterest.
2. Use open and positive gestures
Use open hand movements to appear approachable and engaged. Avoid fidgeting or closed gestures, like crossing your arms, which can create communication barriers. Ensure your gestures are natural and align with your message.
3. Make and maintain eye contact
Eye contact establishes connection and trust. Maintain steady eye contact to show focus and sincerity, but avoid staring, which can be intimidating. Aim for balanced eye contact to convey attentiveness and respect.
4. Align facial expressions with your message
Ensure your facial expressions match the tone of your conversation. Smile when discussing positive topics or nod to show understanding. Consistent facial expressions reinforce the authenticity of your verbal messages.
5. Mind your tone of voice
Your tone should complement your body language and verbal content. A calm, steady tone enhances clarity and trustworthiness, while a varied tone can emphasise enthusiasm and engagement. Be mindful of your pitch, volume, and speed.
6. Observe and adapt to others
Be responsive to the non-verbal cues of others. Pay attention to their posture, gestures, and expressions to gauge their reactions and adjust your approach accordingly. This awareness helps in building rapport and making interactions more effective.
Open body language examples:
The Equal Handshake: A handshake with eye contact, a warm smile, equal pressure, and a slow release. Signals mutual respect, confidence, and openness.
Authentic Mirroring: Subtly mimicking another's body language to build rapport. Indicates a desire to connect and promotes positive outcomes in persuasion and sales.
Mutual Gazing: Maintaining eye contact to convey attentiveness and connection. Enhances perceived persuasiveness and sincerity.
Shared Laughter: Laughing together in response to humour. Indicates openness and relaxation, fostering relationship building.
Open Palms: Gesturing with visible palms to convey honesty and openness. Signifies sincerity and openness to interaction.
Leaning In: Leaning slightly toward someone to demonstrate interest. Shows engagement and attentiveness in conversation.
Closed body language examples:
Crossed Ankles: Indicates discomfort or anxiety, often reflecting nervousness or stress.
Hand Clasping: A self-soothing gesture in stressful or uncertain situations.
Blading: Turning your body to the side, indicating defensiveness or readiness for conflict.
Thumbs Hidden: Concealing thumbs suggests insecurity or threat perception.
Neck Rubbing: Indicates stress or insecurity.
Physical Retreat: Stepping back or leaning away, showing discomfort or disinterest.
Hunched Shoulders: Suggests defensiveness or vulnerability.
Rubbing Eyes: Indicates fatigue or stress.
Fidgeting with Objects: Signals restlessness or distraction.
Touching Ears: Indicates stress or anxiety.
Understanding these body language cues can greatly enhance communication by allowing you to read and respond appropriately in an interview.
How to make a good first impression in person
Heading into an in-person interview can be nerve-wracking, but with preparation and the right mindset, you can make a fantastic impression. Here’s how to put your best foot forward and be memorable:
1. Be punctual and prepared
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to account for any unforeseen delays. Plan your route and double-check it if needed. Bring all necessary documents, including extra copies of your CV. Knowing the names of your interviewers shows respect and preparation.
2. Start strong
First impressions are formed within seconds. Greet your interviewer with a genuine smile, a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact. Walk into the room with purpose and good posture. Address your interviewer by name to personalise the interaction.
3. Watch your body language and tone
Throughout the interview, exude positivity and enthusiasm. Sit upright, lean in slightly when listening or speaking, and maintain frequent eye contact. Speak clearly and confidently, avoiding nervous laughter. Keep your responses relevant and concise.
4. A polished farewell
Conclude the interview with another firm handshake and a sincere "thank you." Express your continued interest in the position and appreciation for the opportunity. This final impression can leave a lasting mark.
5. Follow up with gratitude
Within a day or two, send a brief email thanking your interviewer(s) for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. This demonstrates professionalism and reinforces your interest in the position.
Additional tips for success:
Practice Your Responses: Anticipate common interview questions and rehearse your answers.
Prepare Questions: Show your engagement by preparing thoughtful questions about the role or company.
Authenticity Wins: Be genuine and let your personality shine through. Employers appreciate authenticity.
How to make a good first impression over a video call
In today’s digital age, video calls are a staple in professional life. With nearly 60% of recruiters now using video interviews, it's crucial to shine through the digital lens. Here’s how to ensure you come across as polished and professional:
1. Prepare your space
Choose a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions. Ensure your background is tidy and professional. Position yourself facing natural light or use soft, diffuse lighting to illuminate your face evenly.
2. Test your technology
Test your equipment—camera, microphone, and internet connection—before the call. Familiarise yourself with the video conferencing platform. Ensure you know how to mute/unmute, adjust volume, and share your screen if needed. Have a backup plan if things go wrong.
3. Dress the part
Dress professionally from head to toe, even if you’re only visible from the waist up. Opt for solid, neutral colours that contrast well with your background. Avoid busy patterns or overly casual attire.
4. Hello, it's me!
Greet everyone with enthusiasm. Smile genuinely, maintain eye contact with the camera, and use participants’ names. Confidence and positivity are contagious—even through a screen.
5. Maintain engagement
Minimise distractions by muting notifications and focusing on the conversation. Sit upright with good posture, lean in slightly to convey interest, and use affirming gestures.
6. Effective communication
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Avoid interrupting others and use concise language. Be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles if your call involves international participants.
7. A graceful exit
Express gratitude to all participants for their time. Summarise key takeaways if appropriate and confirm any follow-up actions. End with a confident farewell and a friendly smile.
Additional tips for success:
Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarise yourself with video call etiquette and technology.
Be Adaptable: Adjust your communication style and pace for clarity and engagement.
Follow Up: Send a brief thank-you email after the call to express appreciation and reiterate key points discussed.
How to make a good first impression via email
When making a first impression via email, it’s all about clarity, professionalism, and timeliness. Here’s how to craft an email that stands out positively:
1. Craft a professional email address
Use a clear, professional email address that includes your name. Avoid using nicknames or irrelevant numbers.
2. Use a clear and relevant subject line
Ensure the subject line clearly indicates the purpose of your email. For example, “Application for [Position] - [Your Name]” or “Follow-Up on Interview - [Your Name]”.
3. Begin with a polite greeting
Address the recipient by their title and last name, unless otherwise instructed. Use “Dear [Name],” or “Hello [Name],”.
4. Be clear and concise
Get to the point quickly while providing all the necessary information. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Stick to the topic and keep your email focused.
5. Use a professional tone
Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the email. Avoid slang or overly casual language. Be courteous and positive.
6. Proofread before sending
Check your email for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Ensure your email is free of typos and clearly conveys your message.
7. Include a polite closing
End with a professional closing, such as “Best regards,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name. If applicable, include your contact information or signature.
8. Follow up appropriately
If you haven’t received a response within the specified timeframe, send a polite follow-up email. Reiterate your interest and inquire about the status of your application or request.
Additional Tips for Success:
Be Timely: Respond promptly to emails to demonstrate your enthusiasm and reliability.
Use a Signature: Include a professional email signature with your contact information.
Tailor Your Email: Personalise your email for the recipient and context to make a meaningful impression.
How to recover from a bad first impression
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might make a less-than-ideal first impression. The key is how you handle the aftermath. Here’s how to recover gracefully and turn things around:
1. Acknowledge and address the issue
If you realise you’ve made a mistake, address it promptly. Apologise sincerely and take responsibility for any missteps. Acknowledging the issue shows maturity and accountability.
2. Follow up with a positive gesture
Send a follow-up email expressing gratitude and reiterating your enthusiasm. Use this opportunity to correct any misunderstandings or clarify points if needed.
3. Seek feedback
If appropriate, ask for feedback to understand what went wrong and how you can improve. This demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow.
4. Show consistency and improvement
Continue to demonstrate professionalism and commitment in subsequent interactions. Consistency in your performance can help shift perceptions and reinforce your capabilities.
5. Learn and adapt
Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can avoid similar situations in the future. Adapt your approach based on the feedback and insights gained.
6. Stay positive and resilient
Don’t let a single setback define your overall impression. Maintain a positive attitude and resilience in your interactions. Focus on showcasing your strengths and contributions.
Additional tips for recovery:
Be Patient: It takes time to rebuild a perception. Consistent, positive behaviour will gradually overcome a negative impression.
Maintain Professionalism: Always conduct yourself professionally, regardless of past impressions.
Focus on Solutions: Address issues constructively and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
And remember, always be prepared!
Remember, preparation and self-awareness are crucial to making a lasting positive impact. Connect with an expert recruiter today to refine your interview skills, Their insights and guidance could be the key to unlocking your next career opportunity. Don’t wait—start your journey to making powerful impressions now!
Contact one of our expert recruiters here for further assistance in your journey.
Further resources to assist you with your job search
5 Essential Tips to Make Your Resume · AccountAbility Recruitment
The STAR Method - Interview Technique · AccountAbility Recruitment
4 ways to master an interview in · AccountAbility Recruitment
A guide to advancing in your accounts · AccountAbility Recruitment