MiddletownJournal.com

"Favorably remembered" that's how you should strive to leave every job interview. Research into hiring practices of companies concludes that selection decisions are heavily driven by chemistry. Employers habitually hire people they like.

You create a favorable impression by first arriving for the interview on time. Traffic problems and weather are lame excuses. Allow sufficient time for delays. Better to reach the site one hour early and camp in the parking lot than report five minutes late. Plan to reach the interview site 15 minutes early.

Personal appearance may not add to your "favorable" score, but it shouldn't detract from it either. Much is written about dressing properly for the interview. You want to select clothing that reflects your professional level and dress to the culture of the organization.

Attire, however, can't change the body it adorns. A person excessively overweight and bulging at the seams sends a less-than-positive message to the hiring manager. Certainly if you're getting interviews but not offers, it might be due to your package. The solution is to shed pounds or choose clothes carefully.

You deliver a favorable impression with professional demeanor. Even robust people can partly override an image problem by conducting themselves during the interview in a zestful, compelling and competent manner. You want to delight each person you encounter in the interview process by showcasing your expertise and your compatibility.

The more you glow during the job interview, the more employers are favorably impressed. Your stock climbs with sparkle.

Bellbrook resident Steve Stromp is a professional career consultant, lecturer and writer. Contact him at sstromp@sbcglobal.net.