Recruiters and hiring managers are very busy people. They have to scan resumes, interview candidates and make fast decisions about who they should recommend for a vacant position. They are looking for certain assets right from the beginning. That includes enthusiasm, industry knowledge, conversation skills, punctuality and appearance. They don’t have any time to waste.

For all these reasons, you need to make a strong first impression. Here are a few easy ways to leave not just a good, but a lasting impression.

Be Professional

Dress for success. That means being clean, well groomed and looking like a professional who could start right away. Show up for your meeting or interview a few minutes ahead of time so you are the one who is waiting, and not the recruiter. Be polite, pleasant and smile at the right times. All of these factors will help you make a good impression with the people who are making the hiring decisions.

Be Prepared

Do your homework before you show up for your meeting. That means having your resume up to date and your work and personal references ready to hand over to the recruiter. You should also find out as much as you can about the job you are applying for or the industry you want to work in. This shows you are enthusiastic and a self learner, two traits that all recruiters are looking for and ones that will ensure you leave a good impression.

Be Self Aware

Know your strengths and weaknesses. In particular, don’t be afraid to say that you don’t know the answer to a question or that you would have to find out more information. The recruiter will spot the gaps in your resume and work experience right away, so you’re not fooling anybody. Recruiters and staffing officers like honesty more than almost anything else. Be honest about your weaknesses, and might actually turn them into strengths.

Be Ready to Sell Yourself

OK, now you can start talking about yourself. Tell the recruiter about all of your life experiences. They can see your work experience from your resume. But tell them about your volunteer work, or your summer jobs or your time in the armed forces where you had leadership responsibilities for your group. Be confident about your abilities and back that up with real examples of where you have operated certain types of equipment. That will leave not just a good impression, but a lasting one as well.

For more tips and suggestions about work and making a good first impression, talk to the experts at HCR Personnel Solutions. We don’t just make promises. We deliver results.