Interview - 1st 30 seconds

First impressions are crucial and first impressions are usually formed in the first 30 seconds (or less). Does anyone have any tips on how what to do during the walk from the waiting room to the interview room? Usually I try to start a conversation about how their day/week is going but it's usually forced and boring.

18 Comments
 

Relaxed smile, go buy a really nice shirt and tie, this the most no brainer descision ever. We've dinged plenty of smart kids because we'd be afraid to have him/her in front of a client. Get a hair cut a week before, aviod the post haircut rape look. Whatever you do, don't smile to much. People will think you're a dope. These are all true.

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Stringer BellRelaxed smile, go buy a really nice shirt and tie, this the most no brainer descision ever. We've dinged plenty of smart kids because we'd be afraid to have him/her in front of a client. Get a hair cut a week before, aviod the post haircut rape look. Whatever you do, don't smile to much. People will think you're a dope. These are all true.

ahaha what's the post haircut rape look? lolol

People tend to think life is a race with other people. They don't realize that every moment they spend sprinting towards the finish line is a moment they lose permanently, and a moment closer to their death.
 

Does the tie really matter? To me, they all look the same. I've always gone with shitty silk ties I bought in Singapore for around 50cents a piece.

Is it worthwhile to actually buy a nice tie or two? I honestly can't tell the difference between a 75 dollar vineyard vines tie and the 50 cent pieces of shit.

 
reddog23Does the tie really matter? To me, they all look the same. I've always gone with shitty silk ties I bought in Singapore for around 50cents a piece.

Is it worthwhile to actually buy a nice tie or two? I honestly can't tell the difference between a 75 dollar vineyard vines tie and the 50 cent pieces of shit.

VV is one of the few ties that's pretty obviously VV

 
firefighter
reddog23Does the tie really matter? To me, they all look the same. I've always gone with shitty silk ties I bought in Singapore for around 50cents a piece.

Is it worthwhile to actually buy a nice tie or two? I honestly can't tell the difference between a 75 dollar vineyard vines tie and the 50 cent pieces of shit.

VV is one of the few ties that's pretty obviously VV

Well, besides the patterns obviously... Meant in terms of the material/feel of it overall.

 

I had that '30-second walk' recently. I made some comments about the office layout as we walked - nothing that made me look like a butt-kisser though. The employer would usually say something like offering you something to drink. Always go for a glass of water. Coffee can make you sweaty/hasty.

And make sure you wear your best suit. You really want this job, right? Also, wear a nice cologne. All senses are involved in first impressions.

 
Best Response

Just a few words to the wise here:

DONT wear cologne

Invest in a Vinyard Vines tie, yes there is a difference, yes they look great, and they are one of the few ties that are acceptable from Analyst-MD level and beyond. If you wear a Hermes or some P.O.S. from a bargain bin you will look like an idiot. Also wear a plain white or light blue shirt.

For suits i reccomend Jos A Bank - nothing fancy but they have great deals all the time and look good enough

As for first 30 seconds, a firm handshake and eye contact should do the trick

 

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