James Hughes says first impressions are the most important when going for that first big job interview.
Photograph by : Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun
When it comes time for that all-important interview for the job of your dreams, be enthusiastic, focused and confident.
Above all, prepare.
And, although the interview could last an hour or longer, the first 10 to 15 minutes are vital -- so it's important to make a very good impression quickly.
That's the word from James Hughes, local senior manager for technical recruiting for global business software giant Business Objects, which has 1,400 employees based in Vancouver.
"People make assumptions within 10 or 20 minutes, then the rest is evaluating and justifying those assumptions," Hughes, who personally interviews about 150 people in Vancouver for jobs each year, said in an interview. "The first few minutes are critical."
Hughes said it's also important during a job interview to interact comfortably with the interviewer. "A lot comes down to personal interaction, handshakes, introductions, perhaps some small talk to break the ice, comfortably setting forth full and succinct answers.
"Some people try to get into a full speech, but it should be more of an interaction instead of a presentation."
Red flags for employers, he said, include a lack of self awareness by the interviewee, preventing the interviewer from jumping in or offering a critique, and speaking negatively of their previous work environment. "That indicates a lack of discretion. When you're asked the reasons for leaving, I appreciate an honest answer. But you don't have to dis [your former employer]. You can say you disagreed with a management style."
Hughes said the job seeker should also be very prepared and research the company. "They should know something about Business Objects. I always encourage people to do due diligence. We also look for innovative team players, smart, willing to learn and enthusiastic about life."
Hughes's comments largely echo a recent survey developed by financial recruitment service company Robert Half Finance and Accounting, which found that while job interviews typically take an hour or longer, hiring managers often form opinions in the first 15 minutes.
The survey, which got responses from 100 senior Canadian executives, found that not only did managers take about 12 minutes on average to form either a positive or negative opinion of a job candidate, but that the interviews with staff-level candidates lasted about 60 minutes [for management-level candidates, it was 103 minutes].
"The interview begins the moment job seekers arrive, so applicants need to project enthusiasm and confidence from the start," Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International and author of Job Hunting For Dummies, said in a statement. "The opening minutes of the conversation often set the tone for the rest of the discussion, making it wise to prepare especially well for the first few interview questions."
The following five questions are frequently asked at the start of an interview. Tips on how to respond are included:
n Can you tell me a little about yourself? Concisely discuss your professional goals and interests as they relate to the job opportunity. Your answer should provide insight into why you are the right fit for the position and the company.
n What do you know about our firm? Research the business beforehand and be prepared to describe how your skill set and experience will help you contribute to its success.
n Why do you want to work here? Whether it's the company's values, history of success or reputation in the industry that attracted you, respond in a way that shows you understand the organization's priorities and business objectives.
n Why are you looking to leave your current position? Keep your answer focused on the opportunity -- for example, a chance to advance your career. Remain positive and avoid disparaging other employers.
n What is your most significant professional accomplishment? Cite an achievement that demonstrates your abilities and shows you value results.
Anna Montesano, Robert Half's branch manager in Vancouver, agreed in an interview that first impressions are vital.
But she also said there's still hope if an interview gets off poorly. "It's difficult to play catch up. But if the candidate feels the interview is not going well, don't give up and stay focused. The first opinion is formed [in the first few minutes], but there's time to redeem yourself."
Montesano agreed that job seekers should project enthusiasm and provide insights into why they'd be good for the company. "They need to provide strong responses."
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