First Impressions Count!!

Believe me when I say, that employers are already making their minds up about you before you may have even submitted your completed application form or CV.

From the very second you first make contact with a potential employer, you are being interviewed. Right from that very first telephone call, letter or even that first enquiry email.

I know this, because I have BEEN that potential employer. Even the person in the organisation dealing with the advertisement of the role and dealing with the enquiries - THEY are making their minds up TOO. Do they want this person as their colleague? And they WILL be letting THEIR first impressions known to their boss - YOUR POSSIBLE FUTURE BOSS!

So, as a potential employer, I am forming an opinion of you and ascertaining your suitability for the role and for the company itself...right from the off!

How polite were you on the phone when you requested that application pack?

How articulate were you when you made your enquiry?

When you submitted that online enquiry, were there any spelling errors and grammatical errors? Or did you use abbreviations or 'text speak'?

Are you interested in the role as well as the company, or does it suggest that you applying to ANYONE for ANYTHING?

Did you get your mother / son / daughter / girlfriend to enquire for you? OH, I DO HOPE NOT!

So right at the very start, it’s not your experiences, or qualifications that form that first impression. It’s how you come across as a person. And a consideration of whether these first impressions would make them want you to join their team?

Top Tips:

1/ Always be friendly and polite – remembering to say, “Hello” at the start of a telephone call and introducing yourself. It’s amazing how many people, possibly through nerves, will not do this and go straight into; “I’ve seen your job advert for… and want to apply.” Remember, this is your first chance to make a good impression.

2/ The same applies with an e-mail / contact form query. Be friendly and polite. ALWAYS!

3/ Always check your spellings and grammar before sending anything at all 'written'. Ask a trusted friend or family member to check it over before sending. Believe me, regardless of the position you are applying for, there is nothing more off putting than poor spellings, poorly constructed sentences and abbreviated words. Never use 'text speak', such as, “Can you send me info. plz?”

4/ If advertising yourself on social media as looking for a position, again, remembering that FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! If you want to give yourself the best chance. Not only remembering to check spellings, grammar and that you haven't used 'text speak', think it through what sort of roles you are looking for. Be focused. It is off putting to an employer when they read, "Will do anything." REALLY? ANYTHING? I bet you wouldn't and even if you are undecided what you want to do for a career, or are applying for a number of different types of roles, employers generally do not want to take someone on board if they don't believe they have a genuine interest in the role they are advertising and their company / organisation.

5/ And finally, do be mindful that potential employers will often 'look you up' on social media. Consider what can be seen publicly; including your profile pictures. If unsure, have a think about what your old headteacher / teacher, Vicar, great grandma would think of it.

Good Luck! :)

Little Yolk