APU Careers Careers & Learning

So What If I Prefer a Pumpkin Macchiato to a Double Espresso?

By Kristen Carteremployee-month
Contributor, Career Services

Even while working as a barista for two years during my college years, I have never been much of a coffee drinker.  While I love the smell of it wafting through the air, the taste never appealed to me. Now, I have tried my share of drinks and know that I prefer the ones that do not taste anything like coffee. I’m more of the type that prefers lots of chocolate drizzle and whip cream, quite possibly fulfilling my caloric intake for the day with one single drink.  At the same time, I have often wondered how I might be perceived by the baristas when ordering such “trendy” drinks that I generally see teenage girls carrying around the mall. In all honestly, I’m not too concerned what the barista thinks, but it is interesting to note how my coffee choice might be reflecting me as an individual.

I have read many articles discussing how coffee reveals one’s personality. Yet, this article published in The Telegraph, a newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom, caught my attention since it included data to support such a connection.  One thousand coffee drinkers were surveyed to assess the relationship between their coffee drink choice and their particular personality and psychological traits (i.e. introversion and extroversion, perfectionism, vigilance, social boldness, etc.). Ironically, this data identified me as a “trendsetter” and one who enjoys trying new things. Personally, I think this characterization is far from the truth, which caused me to think about how such misconceptions are a part of the job search process.

One’s coffee choice, wardrobe selection, vocabulary, posture, etc.— all say something about a person. While you may be unfairly labeled or judged in some capacity based on these different attributes, the reality is that recruiters and hiring managers are going to make snap judgments about you based upon them. Therefore, it is your responsibility to dispel any myths about what they may believe about you as an individual. Remember, perception is sometimes everything! Thus, a first impression based initially on non-verbal communication must be a positive one.

Now, I do not believe you need to adjust your coffee of choice so you are viewed in a different light. But, an important way to represent yourself in the best light is focusing on your non-verbal communication. Here are some questions to consider:

  • Are you conveying you are competent and confident with the outfit you have chosen?
  • How is your body language (i.e. eye contact, handshake, posture, etc.)?
  • Do you speak with poise or do you mumble when answering interview questions?

It is important to think about and consider the silent messages you are sending out.  I have once heard the statement, “Don’t dress for the position you have. Dress for the position you want.” The intention is to leave a lasting impression. Of course we would hope that a hiring manager would not “judge a book by its cover.” However, we know this is not the case. So, while you might be sized up based on your coffee order, I encourage you to focus on how you can improve those other presentation areas to leave the best impression.

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