Although this quote might not apply to all the interactions in life, it does hold significant weight when it comes to job interviews, especially STEM recruitments. You may get a chance to make a second or third good impression in your social and personal life, but there is rarely any second or third chance in front of the STEM recruiters. Therefore, you must leave a good first impression during your STEM interviews.
Jeffrey Harvey, in his book “STEM Secrets For Interviewing,” discusses in detail the dos and don’ts of making a first good impression on the recruiter. Let’s discuss some of his points below:
Appropriate Dressing
First and foremost is presentation; you cannot make a good impression on the hiring panel with messy looks or untidy clothes, as it makes you look unprofessional and careless. STEM interviews are scheduled weeks after informing the shortlisted candidates because they expect them to come prepared both physically and mentally. You are also evaluated for clothing. Thus, wearing appropriate, neutral, and neat colors is a great of showing how organized you are.
While online interviews have become a norm after the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital barrier must not prevent you from dressing professionally. Your outfit, speaking style, and body language embody the attitude you will bring to the job.
Time Management
Time is everything; if you know to move faster than the clock, nothing can stop you from getting what you want. Time management is the first thing recruiters notice in their candidates, so try getting an hour or thirty minutes ahead of the designated time slot to leave no room for an unexpected error. Being late translates to not being interested in the job, and recruiters might not consider you. But if you’re busy handling unavoidable circumstances, it is better to inform the company immediately and ask them to adjust you to another time slot. Furthermore, you must prepare one or two days before to have enough time to practice, dress, and reach the premises on time, as last-minute preparations can be very hectic.
Determine The Interview Platform
Make sure you know where the interviews are being held. Is it an in-person interview or an online process? If it is an online process, make sure you have your laptop, cellphone, and mic with you. Charge your laptops beforehand and make sure you have a steady internet connection. Most candidates do not have robust connectivity and microphone inaccessibility, which creates a communication gap between both sides. Also, sit in a place with ample light so that your face and upper body are visible to the recruiters so they can virtually interact and know who they are talking to. Make sure you have it all sorted out beforehand. For an in-person interview, determine the location, room numbers, and complete addresses beforehand.
Body Language
Be attentive, and make gestures to show that you are paying attention to the interview. If you sound lazy, bored, and anxious, the recruiter might disqualify you for your lack of interest. Your tone, length of responses, and demeanor are instrumental. Try maintaining eye contact with whoever you are speaking to and nod occasionally to affirm that you’re listening and understanding the point of view of the speaker. If eye contact feels uncomfortable, try looking at their forehead.
During an online interview, set up your screens at your face level so you don’t have to look down or sit crookedly on your seats. Instead of focusing on the panel members on the screen, focus on the camera to be at eye level of the interviewer. Let the other person finish first and wait for your turn. Don’t be so hasty or give your input, as it may look rude.
Learn the Techniques of Making a Lasting First Impression with Jeffrey Harvey
Once you have your formalities and first impression right, you’ll see the rest of the interview process going relatively smoothly because the recruiters now have the affirmation that you are a promising professional.
Looking for more tips to ace your STEM interviews? Don’t go anywhere except STEM SECRETS FOR INTERVIEWING, now on Amazon.
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