How to understand a suitable candidate for a position from the first impression as first impression need not be his/her real impression?

First impression is always plays a crucial part to make hiring decision. But at the same time candidates are sensitive to first impressions of interviewers too. Those involved in the recruitment process have to be  attentive and engaged as they expect their employees to be, otherwise they risk missing out on the best talent.  

Research says the factors that help influence a positive first impression by interviewers are

- A candidate’s timekeeping

- Level of a candidates interview preparation\\

- Ability to hold eye contact

- Personal appearance 

- Quality of banter or small talk 

- Strength of handshake 

Whilst interviewees judge employers by :

  - Interviewer's handshake  

- The way an interviewer wore make up 

 -  Small talk  

- Kept waiting too long in reception 

 - Interviewer's dress sense  

- Didn't like the room they were interviewed in 

So to hire right candidate following are the tips 

 1. Do your groundwork first - Extrovert will always get advantage over introvert, so make sure what exactly you want.Most successful teams are balance mix of personality types and talents.

2. Suspend prejudice - A Visible Tatoo may give you negative impression or a firm handshake & confident personality may be important to you on a personal level, but be careful not to impose those personal values too heavily on a first impressions decision. It's important to distinguish between personal preferences and the relevant skills and attributes that someone has to enable them to do their job

3. Be clear what is expected - If you want someone to dress in a certain way at interview then is it apparent from the job description, or from the pre interview briefing. Don't assume that every job seeker is able to deal with ambiguity or unexpected arrangements and still impress at interview. People need a chance to reveal themselves and adapt to changing surroundings. Some projects require planning, analysis and perspective so you will need an interview style that will help candidates display these. 

Plan structured interview to allow a candidate to illustrate their adaptability.

4. Have a right recruitment process 

Make sure the interview process is planned to allow candidates to shine from the start. Clarity and proper communication are key - unless you're trying to prepare them for life in a business where neither are prevalent! Giving them sufficient time, with an indication of what will be expected, will facilitate better preparation and help bring out the best in them.