Popularity Contest

Looking for a job feels more like entering into a popularity contest which, quite honestly, does not bode well for me. Probably because I generally fall somewhere in the middle. I know, without a doubt, that I am an incredible hire but I often overcompensate during the initial meeting coming across as either too enthusiastic or over confident. Being an introvert certainly doesn’t help when trying to convince a total stranger to take a chance on you. Awkward. Therefore, practice is necessary but you don’t want to seem robotic with responses appearing too rehearsed. A Princeton study revealed that it takes a tenth of a second for someone to form an opinion of you. An opinion which doesn’t significantly change with more exposure. Yikes! Oh, and let’s not forget about the money. Getting what you’re worth… another challenging hurdle. According to U.S. job reports unemployment is at 3.7 percent but truthfully the majority of available jobs land on the lower side of the salary scale. Believe me, it’s hard work looking for work. Of course, all of this is thrown out with the bath water if, within that one-tenth of a second, you are liked. This brings me full circle…back to the popularity contest. So, in addition to researching interview strategies when looking for a job, you might want to add these tips for making a good first impression before heading out the door:
1) Be mindful of body language
2) Modulate your tone of voice
3) Stand/sit up straight
4) Dress appropriately
5) Make eye contact
6) Be prepared (know your audience)
7) Be authentic
8) Make a connection