The 2-Minute Drill

Make Your Way Through the Interview's Crucial First

Moments

According to one UCLA study, people evaluate one another using the "Three V’s": Visual (appearance), Vocal (voice) and Verbal (what you say). About 93 percent of whether or not communication is effective is determined by nonverbal signals.

Another study, conducted by a University of Toledo psychology professor, concluded that the first 30 seconds make or break the connection between two people when they meet for the first time. So the next time you're on an interview, keep in mind that the interviewer may be drawing conclusions about you before you‘re even finished with the interview.

Take a look at these worst and best case scenarios:

Worst CaseJack is nervous about his interview as he sits in the lobby. Anyone watching can see the signs: His foot is tapping rapidly, and he's muttering to himself, obviously rehearsing his lines. He's slouched down in his chair, and when he spots the interviewer coming down the hall, he begins to wipe a sweaty hand on his pant leg.

He stands, and as he does, the magazine on his lap falls to the floor. When he bends to pick it up, he knocks over his portfolio and papers fall out. The interviewer is thinking, "This guy is a basket case. He doesn't look like the kind of person we want representing our product line." When Jack finally pulls himself together, he holds out his hand, but his handshake is weak. Jack's fate may be sealed before he answers his first question.

Best CaseJoann feels prepared and confident as she waits in the lobby for her interviewer. She knows she looks good, and she feels good. She has practiced and prepared and knows she can do this job. She'll concentrate on selling herself as the solution to the employer's problems. As her interviewer approaches, she stands and continues to smile, looking directly at him. She looks him in the eye as she extends her hand. She gives a firm shake and smiles. "This is a very confident woman -- someone who shows real promise," thinks the interviewer. The first impression has been made, and it is a positive one.

The Drill

The following seven steps, or "two-minute drill," will guide you toward a best-case interview scenario.

1. Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good. Make sure you look groomed and neat. If you were a book, would someone want to read more?

2. Your clothes and accessories should be conservative and neutral rather than wild and loud. Your clothes are your packaging and should not take attention away from the product.

Nonverbal communication sometimes conveys a stronger message than words. When you slouch, whether sitting or standing, you're saying volumes about you and your confidence level. Sit up straight -- like your mother always told you to. When you stand, make yourself as tall as possible: shoulders back and head held high.

Eye contact and smiles can indicate a confident and upbeat attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask for enthusiasm and energy. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills as well as your excitement about the opportunity for which you're interviewing.

The handshake sends a strong tactile message. Whether your hands are hot and sweaty or cold and clammy, you can try some tricks to control the temperature. To cool your hands, try running cold water on the insides of your wrists. Use hot water if your hands are cool.

6. Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong impression. Whether the interview's over the phone or face-to-face, you should speak with enthusiasm and energy. Use a firm voice to demonstrate confidence.

7. Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with people, especially ones you've not met before. The words you choose will say something about you, as well as your knowledge of the industry. It is important to use their words and talk their talk.

Five Ways to Say “I'm Unprofessional”

In most job-filling situations, the employer has the luxury of choosing from several well-qualified applicants, all of whom could probably do the job. That's when the little things, like the common but often unrecognized mistakes described here, almost always come into play. Make sure you avoid them, so they don't cost you a shot at the job.

1. Using a Cutesy Email Address for CorrespondenceExample: cutiepie@domain.com, or -- far worse -- something like hotmomma2010@domain.com.

You Might Think: It's a clever, memorable email address everyone will get a kick out of.

The Employer Will Probably Think: I can't believe someone would actually list this email address on her resume, let alone use it to correspond with me. Will she do the same thing on the job if I hire her? Yikes!

2. Putting a Silly Message on Your Answering MachineExample: A is for academics, B is for beer -- and one of those reasons is why we're not here. So leave a message, OK?

You Might Think: Mine is the funniest answering machine message this side of the Mississippi. My friends will love it.

The Employer Will Probably Think: Good lord, this person probably lives in Animal House. And I just can't risk interviewing, let alone hiring, someone like Bluto or Flounder. Sorry, Charlie. Click.

3. Sending Your Resume and Cover Letter Without ProofreadingYou Might Think: Everybody makes mistakes, even employers. So if there's a mistake or two on my resume, no big deal. The employer probably won't even notice, much less care.

The Employer Will Probably Think: Everybody makes mistakes, even employers. But making more than one minor mistake on a resume or in a cover letter is unacceptable, and often, even one is too many. How do I know this person will proofread the letters he writes to shareholders? What if he someday leaves a zero or two off one of our financial statements? I better put this resume aside and look for someone who's more accurate and thorough.

4. Winging Your Interviews Instead of Preparing ThoroughlyYou Might Think: I'm good at thinking on my feet, and if I get stuck, I'll just BS my way through. Besides, they can't expect me to know everything about the company.

The Employer Will Probably Think: This person clearly knows nothing about the company, nor has she made any effort to learn more about us and what we do. She must not really care whether or not she gets the job. I want someone who cares. Oh well, maybe the next person will be better.

5. Failing to Send Thank You Notes After InterviewsYou Might Think: A thank you note? You're kidding, right? Do people even do that sort of thing anymore?The Employer Will Probably Think: This person has no follow up skills, not to mention common courtesy. He could have at least dropped me a quick email note, like this other person did. I think I'll invite this candidate for the second round of interviews instead. The other guy must not really want the position.

Help Wanted Signs