Make a good first impression

Last week, I had to interview candidates for a recruitment project I have. It's remarkable how much some candidates will do to get noticed negatively! So, I decided to write a text on some of the points you need to make sure you comply with.

5 points to remember to make a good first impression

Be clean of your person.

• Without having to dress up, be clean. Brush your teeth, wash, and dress appropriately. If you're applying for a hygiene and sanitation position and you don't look clean, you're off to a bad start, aren't you? If you're unsure about your attire, ask a friend or loved one for advice.
• Make sure you wear ironed clothes or at least clothes that don't look wrinkled, no skulls or violent messages or clothing with holes. If you're applying for a secretarial position, show up in a professional outfit. If you're applying for a concierge position, don't wear a suit, or even a tank top and shorts! You can wear clean pants and a sweater, with sleeves.
• I once interviewed a candidate for a washing position in a food factory. The candidate seemed competent. But his coat smelled so much of cigarettes that the smell made me feel sick. Very long beard, unbrushed teeth. Result? He didn't get the job!

You are judged from the moment you are seen.

First, show up for the interview! If the recruiter has given you an appointment, don't expect them to call you back to confirm your appointment. It's your responsibility to show up on time, even a few minutes before the appointed time. Can't make it? Call the recruiter to let them know you have a problem at least 1 hour before your appointment. The recruiter has reserved space in their calendar for you. So the least you can do is respect it.

Have a proper attitude toward the receptionist. This means turning off your cell phone before entering. Sit properly (and not slouching in your chair). Be polite to the staff.

Have a winning and professional attitude

• Pay attention to your interviewer and what's going on. I remember interviews where people were looking at everything that was happening around my desk. Or another person who just played with her fingernails and toenails the entire interview!
• Take an interest in the company you're applying to. Go check out their website and take a look!
• And above all, be present in body and mind during your interview.
• The recruiter is not your friend. Be professional in your exchanges. The YOU is in place instead of YOU.
• Answer the questions, but don't tell your life story. Stick to the facts without embellishing your story. Be honest and direct.
• Shake hands firmly (without crushing the other person's hand) when you first meet your recruiter and when you leave. Thank them for their consideration of your application.

Make sure you have a spotless resume

• Make sure there are no gaps of one year or more on your resume. If there are, expect the recruiter to ask what you did during that time.
• Don't change jobs multiple times a year! Recruiters have to invest in each new hire. Therefore, they're not interested in hiring an employee who won't stay long. Frequent job changes send the wrong message to any recruiter.
• And if you left all your last jobs because you were in conflict with a colleague or, even worse, with your former boss... your recruiter will see you coming at 100 miles an hour and will immediately dismiss you. No recruiter wants to hire a candidate who is always in conflict with others. Take care in your relationships with your colleagues and bosses.
• Apply for positions for which you are qualified.
• By the way, cleaning your house does not constitute relevant experience!

Finally, let your recruiter know you're interested.

• Return their call within a reasonable time. If the recruiter calls you, the least you can do is call them back. It doesn't matter if you've changed your mind. It's a matter of professional respect.
• You could even call him back the week after your interview to see if a decision has been made.
• If you weren't accepted, this would be a great opportunity to ask why you weren't chosen. This will help you improve.
• Whatever the reason, thank your interviewer for their attention. And let them know you're interested. The chosen candidate may not be a good fit. If you've made a good impression, your application will stick in your recruiter's mind.

Oh yeah, one last little tip: if you're really interested, take the initiative! Don't just send a text or email saying you're interested or ask questions. Ask for a meeting, comply with the recruiter's requests. Are you surprised by such advice? ... You'd be surprised at how unserious some candidates are. If you want to make a good impression, put all the chances on your side.

In closing, I wish you good luck in your job search. For your information, CF Salubrité offers its recruiting services for private and public companies and organizations. Are you interested? Do not hesitate to let us know by filling out our form on the following pages.

 

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