A recent study by AXA UK has revealed that it takes just eight minutes for a potential employer to make a positive or negative judgement in an interview.
The study of 2,000 people found that while knowing the subject matter was important, eye contact is the most important factor in an interview (59 per cent). The importance of smiling also shouldn’t be underestimated with one in three people saying it’s most important to make a good impression.
According to psychologist Donna Dawson, it’s the little things you do that can make a difference when prepare for a job interview.
“How you conduct yourself during it can make all the difference. Remember that you are being sized up by a stranger in a matter of minutes – what may not seem important to you, can be very important to a prospective employer,” said Dawson.
When asked what they consider to be negatives, respondents indicated that swearing is the ultimate faux pas in an interview with almost half of employers saying that a candidate cursing would put them off offering them a job.
Scruffy or dirty clothes (45 per cent) and lack of knowledge (44 per cent) came in second and third place in the list of bad impressions; one in four (27 per cent) respondents admitted that tattoos and piercings often left a negative impression of the candidates.
“Make a special effort to be clean, tidy and appropriately dressed as this shows respect not only for yourself but for the company you are applying to. Maintaining good eye contact also shows confidence and trustworthiness. The devil is in the detail and it is the little things that will ultimately mean a lot in an interview,” said Dawson.
Chris Jones, AXA Head of Brand, believes the results highlighted that you only have a short window to make an impression and the little things you can do count.
“While it’s important that you know your stuff, our research reminds us that it’s still the little things that are important when trying to secure a new job – you have to build a rapport quickly in an interview, so looking the part, making eye contact and a smile can mean a lot,” said Jones.
Top 5 little things that make a good impression in an interview
1
Eye contact
59%
2
Knowledge of the relevant subject
57%
3
Smart clothing
53%
4
Being articulate
41%
5
Smiling
39%
Top 5 little things that make bad impression in an interview
1
Swearing
47%
2
Scruffy clothes
45%
3
Lack of knowledge of the relevant subject
44%
4
Appearing unprepared
41%
5
Body odour
39%
About the author
Edward has learned much of what he knows from over ten years’ experience writing and producing content for the web across a variety of topics, including leadership, technology, communication, productivity, insurance and finance. The rest he has picked up from watching far too much television.
About ANZIIF
The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) is the leading provider of education, training and professional development services to the insurance and financial services industry in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. For more information visit www.theinstitute.com.au
