First impressions.

Be conscious during the interview process, wear a winner's smile and above all, take a few seconds to respond to questions. It is all about attitude, posture and appearance when it comes to being interviewed for that dream job.

As the old saying goes first impressions are usually the last impressions and it takes three seconds for the interviewee to determine if the candidate is right for the job, says Todd Wilkinson, who worked for Lock and Associates--a headhunting firm out of Vancouver. He is now co-owner of Reg Wilkinson Men's Wear in Sudbury, a family-run business for two generations. It's in the handshake, firm, but not painful, eye contact, appearance and timing, he says.

Usually people have learned to hone these skills on their way up the career ladder or at home growing up.

He says people can blow their chances with an ill-timed handshake, an out-of-turn comment, or frumpy appearance and posture. If a person is nervous or unpolished, nine times out-of-10, "he has not done the leg work to get to that position he is applying for. Nervousness relates to his or her confidence level," Wilkinson says.

"You can never over dress for an interview." But too often job interviews are given through a friend of a friend and that is when candidates become somewhat relaxed.

"Men can be a little lazy in appearance. They trust that what is going to come out of their mouths in an interview will win them the job." However, the world is changing and when a headhunting firm has to choose four candidates for a particular position dressing the part may be the one point needed to obtain the job. Joan Kulmala, owner of Totally-U Image Communication says one's image should convey a level of confidence, competence, expertise, self respect and energy.

"First you must realize you have to feel good from the inside in order to feel good on the outside," she says.

"Then you will be able to work on creating just the right look externally."

"Take a look at yourself. Do you really know who you are? Take the time to recognize your own needs, dreams and goals and proceed from there."

Interviewees want someone who will be a fit for their organization. She says it is fine to have a state-of the art building, but if the company does not have the right fit of talent inside, they can kiss it goodbye. She knows of people who have gone through university, obtained a degree and thus secured a good job within a short time. Problem was they did not climb the social career ladder and it can be just as important as the degree framed on the wall.

"Sometimes when you miss those rungs it does not build character," she says. Opinions are quickly formed from one's body language and how well spoken he or she is.

A candidate cannot walk into an interview answering questions with one word, nor can they sit in a chair and be oblivious to their posture, she says.

Paying particular attention to detail including dress attire may display a level of professionalism.

Wilkinson says It is important to raise the bar when it comes to being interviewed for management positions because "people want to hire winners."

www.totally-u.com

By KELLY LOUISEIZE

Northern Ontario Business