Job Hunters Have Only 12 Minutes To Make An Impression: Survey
Posted April 25, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
You know that old expression about first impressions?
When it comes to looking for a job, it turns out they not only last, but you’ve got about 12 minutes.
A new survey of more than 100 Canadian executives shows prospective employers make up their minds about you within a dozen minutes of your showing up for a job interview.
And it doesn’t matter if the conversation you have lasts half an hour or longer. If you don’t make a good impression immediately, you likely won’t be considered no matter how much schmoozing you do.
The research, by staffing agency Robert Half International, shows while the average job interview can go on for as long as 60 minutes, most executives have already formed their opinion of a candidate within the first quarter hour.
“The interview begins the moment job seekers arrive, so applicants need to project enthusiasm and confidence from the start,” declares Robert Half’s Max Messmer in a statement. “The opening minutes of the conversation often set the tone for the rest of the discussion, making it wise to prepare especially well for the first few interview questions.”
Messmer believes the key to soaring above the pack is preparing your answers to the most commonly asked questions during an interview, including:
Tell me a little about yourself?
He suggests giving a concise answer that focuses on your goals and why they’ll fit perfectly into a company.
What do you know about our firm?
Doing a little research about a company in advance never fails to impress the person who could be your next boss. And you’d be surprised how many applicants don’t bother.
Why do you want to work here?
Focus on how you can make the company better and how both of you can benefit from your presence. Also note any previous history and how well you may have done in similar circumstances. And don’t say it’s because of the money.
Why are you looking to leave your current position?
Ah, the trap question. If you were fired or had a dispute with a former employer, don’t be negative about the company. Talk about the new opportunity, your desire to expand your horizons and the challenges you want to meet.
What is your most significant professional accomplishment?
Figure out something you’ve done that proves your value.
And whatever you do, carefully proofread your resume. Nothing turns an employer off faster than someone boasting about their professional talents and then seeing errors in their copy – including the misspelling of their would-be boss’ own name.
Messmer is also the man behind an unusual online site called “Resumania”, a place where the strangest and worst mistakes of resumes are laid bare. A few examples of the biggest no-no’s:
“Thank you for taking the time to beet me for an interview.”
“Speak English and Spinach.”
I’m attacking my resume for you to review.”
Reason for leaving last job: “Fried”.
But our favourite is one that obviously came in a few years ago and shows that some people have no sense when it comes to what an employer is looking for:
“Must be home in time to watch ‘Melrose Place,'” it read.
Obviously, he never heard of a VCR.
To see more of these bizarre resume mistakes and for additional advice on the right way to proceed in a job hunt, click here.
From our archives:
The worst job interview mistakes
