The Most Important Person You Need To Impress During An Interview

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How to Impress During an Interview

Do you know who the most important person to impress during an interview? While it is extremely important to impress your interviewer, impressing the secretary or assistant who is helping you is perhaps even more important.So, the question is how to impress during an interview?

Secretaries and assistants usually handle emails, scheduling, and are typically your first point of contact. Although it can be very easy to overlook them because they may seem unassuming behind their desk, they are the gatekeeper to the entire organization and are paid to weed you out. Leaving a good impression matters because secretaries and assistants can hold more responsibility and influence than most people assume. They absorb everything and filter out what’s important for their boss. Oftentimes, these are the positions that are most trusted in the company.

Showing that you are professional in all circumstances and to everyone, despite their job description, can be the key to getting hired. The following pointers can help ensure you leave a positive lasting impression with the most important person - the assistant or secretary! These tips will ensuring you know how to impress during an interview.

  • Know and use their name (Ms. Smith, Mr. Johnson, etc.)

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the interview time.

  • While you wait, keep your phone out of sight.

  • Be polite and friendly.

  • Keep good posture and body language.

  • Be sure to thank them and say goodbye on your way out.

Remember, they have a relationship with the hiring manager and will reveal if you were rude or unprofessional. Make a positive and lasting influence on the receptionist and it might help your chances of success with the company; create a negative impression and there is a good chance your future with them has reached its end.

For more interview Dos and Don’ts, read this quick guide.

Would you like more information on how to impress during an interview? The Wilbanks Consulting Group can help you with interview preparation.