The big day is here. You have done your research regarding the company and the position, and you have brushed up on your interviewing skills, so you can effectively highlight why you are a fit for this role. You are confident in your outfit choice and you are on your way to your interview. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you make the right first impression.

First Impressions are Lasting 

You only get one chance to make a first impression, make it a lasting one with these recommendations:

• Arrive early. Plan on arriving 10 to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled meeting time. This will allow you the time to get yourself situated before the interview. Running in flustered and disheveled looking is not a way to make a good first impression.
• Pull Yourself Together. You may want to visit a restroom prior to your interview. Here, you will be able to give yourself a once over in the mirror to make sure you will make a good first impression. Make sure everything is straightened, tucked, buttoned, or zipped so you look and feel prepared. 
• Pre-Interview Etiquette Is Important: Remember to turn off your phone and tuck it away until you leave. You do not want any distractions during the interview. From the minute you walk in the door, your interview has begun. The way you interact with others and the way you present yourself even while waiting for your interviewer to arrive can make an impact. Make sure you are friendly when you introduce yourself to the Receptionist to let them know who you are and why you are there.
• Use a Firm Handshake: When a representative comes to greet you, extend your hand for a firm handshake and introduce yourself with your full name. Let them know it is nice to meet them and call them by name to help you remember. Remember to smile.
• Demonstrate Preparedness. Once in the interview room, take out your notepad, pen, and resume copies. Provide a copy to each interviewer, unless they already have one. 
• Take a seat and breathe. If possible, try to sit across from the interviewer instead of next to them so you each have some personal space. Remember to sit up straight and lean forward slightly when the interviewer is speaking. This will show you are engaged and listening. Just breathe, you’ve got this!

The best way to make a positive first impression is to be prepared and to just be you. At Wesley Enhanced Living, we encourage our employees to be themselves and to be confident in how they add value to our organization. Our teams are made up of a diverse group of individuals, each bringing different backgrounds, ideas, and insights that help us to innovate and move our mission forward. 

If you want to make a compelling difference in the lives of others, are enthusiastic about life-long learning, and are seeking employment where your strengths will be valued, then Wesley Enhanced Living is the place to be! Check out our current career opportunities to learn more!