Put on your best costume | Impressions of a Superhero

Put On Your Best Costume: Impressions Of A SuperheroWhether we like it or not, we live in a world of first Impressions. Within the first 7 seconds of an interview your prospective employer will unconsciously think they have you sussed. If you mess this up, you will spend the next 30 minutes of your interview attempting to change their mind. It seems pretty shallow and a bit unfair but It is It is a fundamental human motivation to read a persons’ “characteristics, intentions, traits, motives, goals, and needs of others “(J Skowronski & N Ambady) when you meet someone for the first time. It is in our make up to judge instantly.So how do we change a possible negative first impression into a positive? We believe you should put on out your best power costume and embody the Superhero.Superheroes exude power. From Spiderman to Captain America, heroes’ costumes define their unique powers and ability. It tells you they have what it takes to get the job done. This is no different than your interview outfit. Brownie and Graydon believe that superheroes clothes are so unlike anything that ordinary people wear that the costume comes with the expectation of behaviour that is equally extraordinary. Now, we are not saying you should pull out your Halloween Spiderman costume for your next interview. Instead, consider what your outfit says about your behaviour and performance. Are you highly professional, are you organised, are you a leader?Figuring out what the company and Interview theme is important.  Although we would consider dressing professionally is the only choice, deciding to what degree can be difficult. Is business casual or a power suit appropriate. This is a balancing act between professionalism, the company culture, and what makes you confident. You should know exactly what scenario you are walking into so be prepare and you will be confident in your choices.How do we embody the Superhero?Imagine this. You have just arrived into the reception of your prospective new employer and you are asked to take a seat. What do you look like? Are you sitting scrambling through notes looking unprepared, maybe you are hunched over, looking as small and intimidated or are you checking your timeline on Facebook feeling bored? Don’t discount what your pose says about you. Take on a Superhero sitting pose -  don’t slouch, shoulders back, open up your chest, keep your arms unfolded, don’t fidget, breath slowly and deeply, keep your face soft and confident and when your interviewer arrives, smile.In Amy Cuddy’s research she proves that by taking a hunching or cowering you can increase your stress levels and decrease your confidence and power. Doing a Power Pose can increase your power and confidence levels by 20%. Prior to your interview, try the Wonder Woman pose. By taking two minutes before you go in for your interview to stand with your feet firmly planted firmly on the ground, chest out, head high and hands on your hips you can lower your stress levels. This will place you in a more powerful and professional position. What a great start to your interview.The first few seconds of your interview is important. What way we dress and our body language is so powerful. It influences employer’s perceptions of us and even changes how we feel by simply changing body positions. Give yourself the best chance to land that perfect job.