Whether you’re vying for an executive role or just want to get your foot in the door with a smaller company, it’s important to make a great impression at your next job interview. Though job interviews come in many shapes and sizes, there are certain behaviors that will always make you stand out from the crowd – and keep you moving toward getting that all-important job offer. If you want to know how to make a great impression at your next job interview, here are nine ways to do it right…
1) Present yourself well
Grooming and personal appearance are often an initial (and lasting) impression for candidates. Be sure your clothes are clean, you’ve showered, and that you’re well-groomed. Men should make sure their nails are trimmed and clean, while women should ensure they have plenty of lip balm and hand lotion to combat dry skin that can result from nervousness or running through the sprinklers on your way into work. If you haven’t done it recently, schedule a haircut before you interview.
2) Do your research
Before you go in for your next interview, spend some time researching about your potential employer. You might think that it’s okay to wing it—especially if you already have some experience in your field. However, as one career coach points out, research shows that candidates who know something about their future employer do significantly better than those who don’t. The reasons are obvious: 1) You know what kinds of questions you should be asking, and 2) You’ll be able to discuss what positions the company has available in an informed way—not like someone who just walked off of a turnip truck!
3) Prepare for the questions
You’ve nailed down your suit, nailed down your answers—but how are you going to nail those questions? You should prepare for every question your interviewer might ask by thinking about examples from your previous experience that show you in a good light. Also, some interviewers will ask for short answers (one or two sentences) and others will want more detailed responses. It helps to know ahead of time which type of response is expected so you can tailor your answers accordingly. Finally, before heading into an interview, make sure you know how long it’s scheduled for and budget your time accordingly.
4) Arrive early
There’s nothing wrong with showing up 15 minutes early, but when you show up 30 minutes early, it shows your interviewer that you’re prepared and eager. Also, if traffic is bad or if there are any delays, you won’t be late. Another benefit of arriving early is that you have time to decompress before sitting down with your interviewer. This will help calm your nerves, so when you shake hands with your interviewer, you can focus on impressing them instead of worrying about being late.
5) Ask questions
Many people are so nervous about interviewing for a job that they forget it’s an opportunity for them to ask questions, too. Of course, you should be prepared with questions in case your potential employer asks if you have any. But beyond that, take advantage of your interview time and figure out what you want and need to know before signing on with a company. Before going into an interview, make sure to research everything you can about the company: What is its mission? What makes it different from competitors? Are there industry trends or opportunities that seem promising? Can you tell if they’re doing well financially? Who do they serve as customers? Is their client base growing or shrinking? How might their business model change in coming years?
6) Smile!
It might sound silly, but smiling can help you make a great first impression. People are more likely to hire people they like. So, when it comes time for your interview, remember to smile at whoever is interviewing you and greet them by name with a firm handshake. It doesn’t matter how nervous you are; if you’re greeting someone with a big smile on your face, they’ll be put at ease and will like you that much more because of it. What’s more? It works both ways—if someone thinks well of you in an interview setting, chances are good that their thoughts about you will follow through once hired.
7) Offer good eye contact
Good eye contact lets employers know that you’re interested in them and their company. If they feel like you’re invested in what they have to say, they’ll be more inclined to hire you. That said, staring down your interviewer isn’t an appropriate strategy—it can make them uncomfortable and seem inappropriate for your first meeting together. Shoot for maintaining slightly better than average eye contact (typically about 10-20 seconds per glance) throughout your interview. For an easy way to monitor yourself during an interview, make note of how many times your eyes naturally move from face-to-face. Two glances per minute is ideal.
8) Be professional, but be yourself too
In most cases, you should be as professional as possible during an interview—but that doesn’t mean that you should be boring. It’s okay to put your personality and unique perspective into your answers—just remember that being funny is great, but making inappropriate jokes will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons. Be respectful of others and use good judgment when speaking about certain topics (be mindful of your audience). A job interview is not an excuse to brag or share too much information—remember that interviews are two-way streets and sharing more than necessary can make you look greedy or unprofessional. In most cases, it’s better to give shorter answers rather than rambling on without knowing where you’re going with it.
9) End with a hand shake
You’ve answered all of their questions, you’re winding down your time together, and you know it’s time for them to let you go. While it may seem like there’s nothing left to do but say goodbye (and maybe ask if they want any more coffee), taking one last step can make all of the difference. Take their hand in yours, and then give it a firm shake. A simple handshake is an immediate sign that you know how professional interactions work. It may seem clichéd, but first impressions are important—even more so during job interviews—so pay attention! Keeping good posture shows that you’re ready and willing to start working right away. Sitting up straight and keeping your shoulders back instantly conveys professionalism, attentiveness, and confidence.
Conclusion
At your next job interview, have confidence in yourself and your skills. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you’ll walk into that interview room feeling confident. Practice makes perfect, so try out some of these tips when you visit with friends or family before your next big interview. Good luck! You can also find similar articles on related site like below: