Elizabeth ParkhousePhoto: Contributed
Elizabeth ParkhousePhoto: Contributed

First impressions

Elizabeth Parkhouse
Many people say first impressions are everything. However, the first impression is not the first 10 seconds of your interview. No, this is your application. If your first impression here is insignificant, the chance of you ending up in an interview - never mind being appointed - is very slim.



1.Ensure that your email heading is clear. A suggestion is to label this with 'Application – XX Position'. This clearly indicates which position you are applying for. Bigger companies sometimes have numerous positions available simultaneously, and need to know from the get-go which position you are applying for.

2.Write a short summary into the email text. This is your first “first impression”. A quick summary why you are interested, why you think you are suitable. It is a very good idea to end of the email with a recap of your contact details. It is essential to ensure that when you quote the position, you quote the correct position. This clearly shows attention to detail and if done wrongly, could already leave a bad impression with the recruiter.

3.Now it comes to the curriculum vitae (CV). You have only a couple of pages to impress any recruiter so use this opportunity to ensure that you do this.

a. Clearly state your personal details, which includes your age as well as your contact details. Never underestimate how important your contact details are!

b. Give your employment history in detail and do not omit anything. Omissions are often a sign of deception, even if this is not the case.

i. Ensure dates are clear and correct.

ii. Make it clear what position you held and what your responsibilities were. This gives the recruiter a short insight about your experience.

iii. Offer the reason why you left the position, even if this was a transfer to another department, for example. It immediately gives a good impression as you are open and transparent with your history.

iv. Ensure that your reference names and contact details are correct. Namibia is small, even if references are not physically checked, having the correct name recorded is essential.

v. Some recruiters require a picture of yourself. Now, this is the first time your employer may see you – make sure this is a good first impression. A picture of you with your family on holiday is not what they want to see. If you have a picture of you with a very tight top and too much cleavage, it may impress some people, but this certainly is not the time and place for such pictures.

4. Attach all relevant qualifications, reference letters or documents required for the position. For a driver position, a driver's licence is essential, so add this. For an chartered accountant position, qualifications are necessary, so add these.

5. Telephone etiquette. Make sure you answer the telephone professionally when the recruiter calls you. This is the first impression of your verbal communication skills. And again, make it stick!

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Republikein 2025-06-28

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