When it comes to finding a new job or starting up your own business – be it online or in person – your first impression is crucial. People make their first impressions within the first 15 seconds of meeting you. So if you are looking to score a new job make sure those first 15 seconds count!

Appearance

The human race is judgmental. That’s a fact. Like it or not, appearance does matter. If you are going on a job interview or an important business meeting you want to look the part.

Imagine yourself in the other person’s situation (interviewer, potential client, potential business partner, etc). This person is getting ready to meet you for the very first time, they are dressed business casual and you come walking in with jeans and a sweatshirt. (Not saying that you would do that, but it’s a good hypothetical example.) What immediately goes through this persons mind?

I am guessing that you would not get the job or potential client. This person has made their decision about you within the first 15 seconds of seeing you, all because of the clothes you were wearing. Not a good situation.

I have interviewed and hired several people. I have had horrible first impressions of some potential employees and fantastic first impressions of others.  A good rule of thumb is to dress at least as nice if not slightly better than the person whom you are meeting with.

You want to look confident and like you would fit in well with your potential client.

Confidence

When trying to advance your career you have to show some initiative. If you are not confident in the skills that you possess it’s not likely that anyone else will be either.

Before going on your interview or meeting think of all the reasons that this person should hire you or work for you. You don’t want to sound scripted but having these skills in mind will keep you from clamming up. Reviewing your fantastic skill set is also a great way to boost your confidence before your meeting.

If you can’t think of how you can benefit this company or person then this may not be the right position for you to enter. If you feel like you are lacking confidence, just fake it. A few minutes of fake confidence may boost your real self-confidence.

Presentation

One thing that you don’t want to do is ramble on about irrelevant topics. We all get the nervous rambling at some point or another but try to keep it at a minimum.

Do your research before the meeting. Know the history of the company or person, their strengths, and their weaknesses. By doing this you will seem more interested in them and it will show that you are ready to help them out.

Being prepared will also help boost your confidence.

 Conclusion

Whether you are selling an actual product or being interviewed for a job, appearance, confidence, and presentation are three important factors that intertwine with each other. Being prepared and looking the part will boost your confidence and ultimately help you make the sale.

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