Every interview I have seems to get off to a slow start. Once we get talking things go well, but I think that the interviewers sense my discomfort at the beginning. Any ideas for those first few minutes? I understand the principles of a firm handshake and maintaining eye contact. It’s right after the introductions that things go downhill.

Creating a favourable first impression is as important as it’s made out to be. Most job seekers know that having a solid understanding of the organization, the sector, and recent developments is vital information to have prior to sitting down for an interview. Most people make the mistake, however, of stopping the research there. I want to encourage you to dig a little deeper. Find out who it is that you’re going to be meeting with (if you don’t know them already). Will it be the direct hiring manager? Are you going to be meeting with people from other departments? Is there a chance that you’ll sit down with a peer? Once you know who they are, see if you can uncover any information about their interests, hobbies, or activities inside and outside of the office.

I’m not suggesting that you should put a pipe in your mouth and don the hat of your favourite sleuth, nor should you violate anyone’s privacy or personal life. There are very straightforward ways to find out about these people. If you already know the person, great! You’re two steps ahead of everyone else. If you don’t, speak with contacts you have in the organization or in your industry who may be able to share some information about the people you’ll be meeting with. Scan through trade publications and papers and conduct a few searches on the Internet for additional help. Look at the organization’s web site to see if they’ve included personnel profiles. There are many ways to go about this.

So why am I suggesting that this is important? It all comes back to your question of first impressions. If you discover any common ground or similar points of interest that you share related to the profession, geographic location (hometown perhaps) or personal interests, you’re setting yourself up for a great opening to the interview. This is a quick way to break the ice and create a bond with the interviewer. It will help to set a positive tone for the interview and will help you to stand out from the other candidates.

Trust me, this works. Take a few minutes before your next interview to research more than just the organization. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!

Alan Kearns is the Head Coach and the Brand Champion! of CareerJoy. He is one of Canada’s foremost experts on all things career. With more than 14 years of experience coaching people through successful career changes, he brings an intimate knowledge of the entire transition process to all of his clients. To contact Alan about paid professional services, e-mail alan@careerjoy.com or visit his web site www.careerjoy.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.