Subjective impressions made prior to and during an employment interview can have significant bearing on a hiring decision.

Theoretically, hiring decisions are based strictly on objective criteria. Typically, a printed job description outlines the qualifications for, and responsibilities of, the position to be filled. This serves as a screening tool to identify candidates who are most deserving of serious consideration.

Making an actual hiring decision is more difficult, though. Selecting one candidate over others is often based on unspoken subjective factors. More often than not, it's the "little" things" that determine who gets the hiring nod.

To make the point, mentally picture yourself as the hiring official. After interviewing three or four comparably qualified candidates, what would motivate you to select one over all the rest to recommend for hire? More than likely, the favored candidate would be described in terms like these:

Personable, friendly
Courteous
Well spoken
Focused
Sense of humor
Eager, ambitious
Decisive
Determined

All of these adjectives reflect subjective judgments about an individual. But how are these determinations made? No candidate wears a sign saying, "I am friendly" or "Look at how courteously I act." Instead, it's through speech, actions, and attitude that these qualities are communicated.

As the hiring official, you would undoubtedly consider the perceptions of others in the company, along with your own observations of the candidate, in formulating a comprehensive opinion. Recommendation for hire would be based on a consensus that the preferred candidate can do the job, fits in well, and could work comfortably with other employees in the company.

Interviewing advice

Keep these matters in mind the next time you interview for a job. Specifically, be alert to the little things that can make a favorable impression on the interviewer and other people with whom you come into contact. A few simple suggestions deserve mentioning.

Be courteous to everyone you meet. First impressions are lasting. Everyone whom you meet and greet, however briefly, will draw an opinion of you. This begins with receptionists, who are a candidate's first contact at the place of employment.

In greeting the public all day along, receptionists are keenly attuned to the wide variety of personalities and attitudes of individuals who visit the company. Intuitive receptionists pick up certain "vibes" about people. And when they are asked to comment about candidates waiting for an interview, they don't hesitate to voice their opinions.

Giving a genuine smile and pleasant greeting is always appropriate when meeting new people. This includes potential co-workers and anyone else introduced at the interview site. After your departure, hopefully you will be remembered as well spoken and friendly, someone who would fit in comfortably with the current staff of employees.

Dress to impress. Along with being pleasant and polite, it's essential to look the part. It cannot be overstated--pay attention to wardrobe and grooming details.

An interviewer can take a sweeping glance of a candidate and notice little things that detract from his or her appearance. Examples: muddy shoes, mismatched socks, a run in the hose, stains on shirt or blouse, wrinkled trousers or skirt, windswept hair, off-center toupee, uneven sideburns, smeared lipstick, unmanicured fingernails, etc.

Certainly a job interview is not a beauty pageant. Nevertheless, the importance of conveying a good appearance cannot be overstated. Interviewers would generally agree that if a candidate is oblivious to details concerning personal appearance, it's questionable how conscientious he or she will be in handling the details of other professional matters.

Display enthusiasm. Making a favorable impression involves more than physical appearance. Being well rested and alert is just as important. Candidates who convey a high degree of energy and enthusiasm verbally and through body language favorably impress on an interviewer.

On the other hand, interviewees can send the wrong message through inappropriate body language. Things to be alert to: poor posture, yawning, being too relaxed, obvious boredom, or general inattentiveness. No matter how impressive your written credentials are, if you aren't perceived as being genuinely interested and excited about an opportunity, there's little chance that you will receive an offer.

Mind your interview manners. Even the most highly qualified candidates can spoil an interview by saying or doing something inappropriate.

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