How do I make a good first impression when turning in my job application? Or interview?

Question

I currently have no work experience, so the best real shot I have is making a good first impression for them to remember me and my name, because my resume isn't anything special. I just haven't had the need to get a job until this point in my life (I'm 18). Any advice to make myself stand out when I turn in my application would be great! Along with that; any advice anyone has to offer once the interview process comes around, because this is unfamiliar territory for me. What is my employer going to be looking for? What are big time DON'Ts? Keep in mind I am just applying for a part-time job as a sales associate at a clothing store like BCBG or a Cosmetics Company Store, nothing major or college degree required...this is to get me through college! Any help, tips, advice, and warnings would be GREATLY appreciated, thank you!

Hair up, or hair down? Is a ponytail too casual? Heels? What is too much of a heel? Peep toe shoe okay? Glasses, or contacts? I'm going nuts thinking of these minor details to make that first impression cause I know I'll be sized up within seconds of that handshake and I don't want the way I present myself to be something quesitoned in their mind!

Answer 1

When interviewing for employment you could be thinking that if you are the candidate with the best answers to interview questions, you'll get the job. In fact, that isn't typically the case.

CollegeJournal reports that, according to some studies, "Body language comprises 55% of the force of any response, whereas the verbal content only provides 7%, and paralanguage, or the intonation -- pauses and sighs given when answering -- represents 38% of the emphasis."

As you can see, nonverbal communication is as important, or even more important than, verbal communication. The evaluation of your nonverbal communication will start as soon as you walk into the company's lobby and continue until the interview is finished.

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Nonverbal Communication Matters
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If you come to an interview reeking of cigarette smoke or chewing gum, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant won't help either. Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking on your cell phone or listening to an iPod while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike.

What's important, when interviewing, is to appear professional and attentive throughout the interview process. Before you leave for the interview, make sure you are dressed professionally, neatly groomed, your shoes are polished, and you haven't overdone (none is better than too much) the perfume or aftershave. There's more than one hiring manager who won't hire someone they can smell (good or bad) before they meet them face-to-face.

There are things that you should you bring with you to the interview and things that you need to leave at home:

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What to Bring to an Interview
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* Portfolio or pad holder with a copy of your resume and a list of references on quality paper
* Work Samples (if relevant)
* Notepad, Pen
* Breath mint (before you enter the building)
* Women: extra pair of pantyhose (keep in your briefcase or car)

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What Not to Bring to an Interview
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* Cell phone
* iPod
* Gum
* Cigarettes
* Candy
* Soda or coffee
* Scuffed shoes, messy and/or not-so-clean clothes

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While You Wait
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The way you sit in the lobby, the way you greet the receptionist and the interviewer, and the way you wait, will all have an impact on whether you are going to be considered for the job. Be friendly and pleasant, but, not overbearing. If you need to wait, sit quietly (no phone calls) and patiently. Shake hands with the interviewer. Your handshake should be firm - not sticky or wimpy. To avoid sweaty palms, visit the rest room, wash your hands, then run them under cool water prior to the interview. Keep your palms open rather than clenched in a fist and keep a tissue you in your pocket to (surreptitiously) wipe them.

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Nonverbal Communication During the Interview
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* Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time.
* Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but, don't overdo it. Don't laugh unless the interviewer does first.
* Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don't be too loud or too quiet.
* Don't slouch.
* Do relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged.
* Don't lean back. You will look too casual and relaxed.
* Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair.
* Pay attention, be attentive and interested.
* Listen.
* Don't interrupt.
* Stay calm. Even if you had a bad experience at a previous position or were fired, keep your emotions to yourself and do not show anger or frown.
* Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen and your notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap, so you look comfortable. Don't let your arms fly around the room when you're making a point.

Your verbal communication is important too. Remember your manners and and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Don't use slang. Speak clearly and definitely.

What's most important, is to remember that the image the interviewer has of you when he first meets you is the one that is going to last. If you're slouchy, sloppy or messy it won't matter how well you answer the interview questions. You are not going to get the job. When practicing for an interview, work on your nonverbal communications as well as your other interviewing skills. It could be what clinches the job offer for you.

Answer 2

My mother always said the first impression you make on anyone is a lasting one. When I went to apply for a job @17, no experience either, still in school, she told me how to dress. I made sure my clothes were neat, pressed. light makeup, and my hair always looked good, even on weekends. I always take great pride in my hair. You can be dressed up with the nicest of clothes, but if your hair is messy, your future employer will remember that. Make sure they know you are working because you want to go to college. A lot of places have tuition reimbursement providing your grades are acceptable. If they know you have goals and are willing to work hard, you should have no problem getting the job you want. When you are interviewed, only cross your legs at the ankles, sit up straight and smile, not overly smile, but you get the drift. Speak articulately and very important, make eye contact. For myself, I didn't really trust anyone who would not make eye contact with me when I spoke to them. I was a supervisor in nursing and it really was a pet peeve of mine if no eye contact was made. Keeping these things in mind, you should do great. Let them know you want to learn and are ready to take on new challenges. I hope this helps a little.

Answer 3

Make sure you look great, nice clean nails, maybe a french polish. Hair neat and wear smart clothes. Sit up right with good posture, keep eye contact, oh and a good firm handshake! A huge smile goes along was even thopugh you are probably stressing and shaking like a leaf inside.

Answer 4

while doing all what the guys up there told you, always remember to be honest, never act like u know it all. and before going to the interview, be prepared. be personable and professional at the same time. feel free to ask for clarification if u dont get a questin. the questions interviwer's uaually ask are: tell me about yourself, u can tell about your school activities and list five strengths u have that are related to this job. what can u do for us that other candidates cant do? is a frequent question. and what are your weaknesses? stuff like that
good luck

Answer 5

1. Sometimes people have these little flaws well, don't stare

2. No tattos if you have then cover them up

3. Tone down the make-up

4. All the u need is a toner and gloss

5. Bring a briefcase even if it does not have anything in it(makes you look serious about work)

Answer 6

Be alert, confident, offer your hand to shake ( use a firm grip,not limp or too hard), make eye contact, dress moderate and nicely, be polite, ask questions as if you plan on being hired.