SCENARIO-BASED QUESTIONS Conducting a Successful Interview: The Opening Formalities ? Lloyd is an engineering graduate from a well-known university. He applies for the position of software engineer at Greilwall Solutions. Marshall is the human

Question

resources manager at Greilwall Solutions. After going through Lloyd's résumé, Marshall sends a formal letter to Lloyd requesting him to be present at 11:00 a.m. on March 12, 2004, for his interview. Lloyd is happy to receive the letter, but he has never attended an interview previously. He is desperate for the job and wants to create a good first impression. He decides to seek help from Joanna, a data analyst in the same company. What can Joanna suggest to Lloyd via email for him to come across as confident and create a good first impression on Marshall?

Answer 1

To: Lloyd
From: Joanna
Subject: Creating a good first impression

Dear Lloyd,

Common courtesies and confident body language can contribute to a favorable first impression in the early moments when you have not yet had an opportunity to talk about your qualifications.
a) Use the interviewer's name, and pronounce it correctly. Even if the interviewer calls you by your first name, always use the interviewer's surname unless specifically invited to do otherwise.
b) Apply a firm handshake. Usually, the interviewer will initiate the handshake, although you may do so. In either case, apply a firm handshake. You do not want to leave the impression that you are weak or timid. At the same time, you do not want to overdo the firm grip and leave an impression of being overbearing.
c) Wait for the interviewer to ask you to be seated. If you are not invited to sit, choose a chair across from or beside the interviewer's desk.
d) Maintain appropriate eye contact, and use your body language to convey confidence. Sit erect and lean forward slightly to express interest. For a professional image, avoid slouching, chewing gum, and fidgeting.
e) Be conscious of nonverbal messages. If the interviewer's eyes are glazing over, end your answer, but expand it if they are bright and the head is nodding vigorously.