First 50 words you say as you walk in have the power
Small talk determines your future employers’ first impressions
Candidates with privileged backgrounds find it easier to make small talk
You can master small talk and create a winning set of first impressions with Tradwell
More small talk
Researchers found the first 50 words a candidate says could make up the interviewer’s mind.
It is the first impression largely made by small talk on the way to the interview room that carries the weight and swings it; you can project a positive or negative light on yourself.
It’s that first light that matters, think of a glorious woman or a handsome man entering a room with a banana smile and a warm “how are you, it’s a beautiful day and I’d love to spend it with you”. Would you be inclined to employ this particular candidate, if she or he had the required experience?
Recently, a charity which helps disadvantaged young people back into employment, found both agents and employers judged people on the quality of their initial utterings. It said people with privileged backgrounds find it easier to make effective small talk, which puts them at an advantage.
A spokesperson for the charity recently declared: ‘Unlocking the secret world of the workplace is not about being upper class. It is asking basic questions such as “How are you?” or “How was your weekend?”
‘It is things like how you greet the interviewer, what you say in the first few minutes or when walking down the corridor towards the interview room. Know how to fill the gaps to your advantage; a lot of it is simple social behaviour which certain young people haven’t been exposed to in their close environment at home or with friends.
‘Small talk is team building, confidence boosting and helps to develop communication skills in the workplace.’
Recruitment consultancy Michael Page said not everyone knows how to make small talk effectively but that mastering the simple ways of making a positive first impression could give candidates an edge.
Remember that most people are governed by feelings rather than reason and small talk shows you can make a conversation with someone you just met.
It is important in business and vital for successful corporate exchanges.
Confidence is bred into children from an early age so they can converse with people, they are almost taught it.’
It isn’t easy to get an interview these days, so make sure that when you get one where you need to demonstrate your English language skills you are confident.
And you will be very confident indeed after a few lessons on how to make small talk by Tradwell.