	How to get the job you want in 10 seconds!

	Issue Date: 15 February 2006 / Issue Num: 150206 Print this Page


	Overview
	How to get the job you want in 10 seconds!

	1.First opinion comes from a great impression.
	2. Say what you mean and mean what you say
	3. Say my name….
	4. No time for a bad hair day!
	5. Don’t loose because of the shoes!
	6. It’s all in the walk
	7. Power handshakes!
	8. Here’s my card
	9. Ready and steady to impress

	Final Thoughts

	You might have heard this a hundred times, but first impressions REALLY counts. We've put together
	9 action points for you to study so YOU can make a great first impression and get the job you want
	in as little as 10 seconds!

	Why 10 seconds? because that is how long it takes on average for someone to make an initial
	assessment of who and what you're all about.
	Time is of the essence, so to make sure people take you serious whether it be a potential employer
	or a business meeting, pay close attention to the following points and you're sure to make a lasting
	first impression.

	1.First opinion comes from a great impression.

	With your first meeting, 90% of peoples judgment is based on a non-verbal physiological assessment.
	This is your general appearance, body language and behaviour.
	The way you "carry" yourself says a lot about your general confidence and personality. Be sure to
	project positivity and zeal with your first meeting.

	So what about the other 10 %? Well, that is words, but ......

	2. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

	Your words make up 10% of people's assessment of you, but it's not what you say, it's the way you
	say it.
	Voice tonality is responsible for 70% of your message. Look at the following example from when I
.	was a little boy and when my mom called me:

My Mom: - "Andre, come here."

Nothing to it, just my mom calling because maybe she wants me to do something. Now look at the

following example:

My Mom: ANDRE, COME HERE!

This time it's also my mom calling...but I'm not to sure if I want to go....because that did not sound too

healthy!. Clearly something is wrong, and so in this example I wanted you to see that although the

exact same words are used, it can have a totally different meaning if your voice tonality changes.

When you meet your potential employer or Interviewer, say: Hi I'm John, It's nice to meet you and thank

you for your time to see me today". And oh...don't say John...use your own name.... (",)

If it's a lunch meeting or Interview, say "Thank you for joining me for lunch"

Always make people feel appreciated and you'll impress them for life.

3. Say my name….

Say my name....because that's music top me ears... It's amazing how people love the sound of their

own name! But knowing this can be used to your advantage.

When in conversation with someone within the first 10 seconds, make sure you mention their name.

People love the sound of their own name and this will boost your first impressions. It relays a message

that you are just focused on that person with your undivided attention.

4. No time for a bad hair day!

When you go out on a date, I bet you spend a few extra minutes on your hair don't you? Even just before

you leave the house, it's just one more final glance to make sure every strand is in place!

Going for a job interview or meeting is even more important than your date, because without the job

there's not going to be much of a date don't you think?

Make sure you get a haircut or colour job if you're a lady. Neglecting this could cost you the job, so

take it to heart because your fellow applicants will certainly do.

Looking untidy and unkempt is not something employers want to be connected to, so make sure

you gear up for success and a great first impression.

5. Don’t loose because of the shoes!

Have you seen the ad on television about the young man going for a job interview with dirty, and

grey looking shoes? He was quickly offered some shoe polish by the janitor and when the employer

investigated the young man from head to toe, he's shoes got him the job!

This is a true fact. Employers will look at you from head to toe in just 10 seconds or less and if your

shoes are grey where they should be black and shiny, your attention to detail will be questioned.

Keep them well polished and maintained because they might be the last thing you put on when you're

about to leave your house, it is often the first thing people see when you enter.

6. It’s all in the walk

Research show people who walk 15-20% faster than their fellow applicants are viewed as energetic,

vibrant and important. This is the kind of first impression you want to make on employers so make

sure you walk briskly and up your pace because you never know who might be watching.

7. Power handshakes!

Giving a weak handshake makes you look weak. The first thing you do when you meet someone

at a job interview or business meeting, is to give them a handshake right? This first physical

contact should be made memorable with a firm handshake.

I call it power handshakes. Make complete contact with the other persons palm, and close your thumb

over the back of the other persons hand. Give a slight squeeze.

Never ever give someone a limp handshake. Always remember that.

8. Here’s my card

Being able to say "Here's my card" simply puts you miles ahead of your fellow applicants when going

for a job interview or meeting a potential client, boss or employer.

Always carry some business cards with you because this contributes to your image and will most

certainly boost your first impression.

However it's not smart to say: "Oops I'm sorry I just gave my last card away"

It will come across that you already met everyone you need to know. Keep your cards safe and easily

accessible and have a good supply on you just in case you meet a potential employer or client.

9. Ready and steady to impress

Giving a smile exudes that you are glad to be there. Make sure you have a good breakfast and

make sure you are in good spirit when you go to appear enthusiastic, positive and confident.

Maintaining good eye contact says you are paying attention to the conversation and are interested

in what's being said.

Leaning lightly toward the employer or client makes you appear involved in the conversation and as a

general rule, try and make use of as many signals as you can to appear more interested.

Plan your every move and always be ready and steady to impress!

Final Thoughts

If you follow our 9 power points above, you're well on your way to get the job you want in 10
seconds!

Best of luck!