How long does it take for you to form an opinion of someone you meet? Apparently, it happens within the first 30 seconds. That’s why we all need to remember that first impressions can be lasting and that they most certainly DO count!

Having the ability to make eye contact, to shake hands firmly, to speak articulately and to dress in professional business attire will score big points in your first meeting/ interview.

Whether the form of contact is by phone, email, letter, face-to-face or teleconference, you have to be sure you are sending the right signals to the people you meet.

A few self-marketing tips for you to consider

• Stand in reception when waiting – there is a risk of struggling to get up out of the chair rather than moving forward with a positive stride and strong handshake.
• Relax, smile and use positive body language.
• Establish rapport quickly – communicate with your interviewer as you walk from reception to the interview location. Comment on the office.
• Always speak politely and positively – no slang or swearing, EVER.
• Try to avoid the word ‘no’ – it can come off as harsh.
• Call an interviewer by their first name – this will help to build rapport and shows confidence.
• Make eye-contact – this, too, conveys self-assurance.
• Don’t slouch when sitting in your chair – in fact, leaning slightly forward shows interest.
• Shake hands firmly – long enough to notice eye colour.
• Turn your mobile off – not on ‘silent’, but ‘off’.

Just a few additional pointers ...

These days it is quite likely that your potential employer may well be socially-networked and hence may choose to do some ad hoc background checks on you through Facebook before making a decision. So you might want to remove those photos of you celebrating your recent win at Cup Day with the Jimmy Choo heels dangling off each ear! Posting personal information in the public domain means that potential employers do have a right to view this and use it as part of their decision making process.

When it comes to your voicemail message, also remember that this could be one of the first impressions that a recruitment consultant or a potential employer has of you. An articulate, professionally worded voicemail message is far more favourable than if a caller has to listen to The Presets singing Apocalypso before leaving a message for you.