Make the Best Impression at a Job Interview

What are the most important things to keep in mind when attending a job interview? What things can be done to gain a competitive advantage? Having a successful interview -- regardless of your qualifications -- can be the reason you get the job. Here's how to knock it out of the park.

Steps

Before the Interview

  1. Find the location it will be set in. If it's an area you're not familiar with, you'll want to know how to get there, where to park, and what traffic is beforehand. Not knowing any of these things may make you late -- a quality that may not be tolerated. Better safe than sorry!
    • A few days before, go scope out the area. Find parking and the right door. If you're going during rush hour, consider alternate routes to get there quicker. Knowing the area and being sure of how to get there will help you calm down and help you concentrate on what you should really be thinking about.
  2. Research the company. Check out their website, reports, and what others have to say about them. This knowledge will come in handy during the interview. You'll be able to cater your image to what they're looking for if you've familiarized yourself with their mission statement and policy.[1]
    • If you know what you're getting into, you'll not only know if you're a good fit, but you'll also be able to turn the interview into more of a conversation. Your interviewer will be more at ease (they may not enjoy the process either) and you'll leave a friendly, knowledgeable impression.[2] When your interviewer mentions something about their company, you can expand and ask further questions with your base knowledge.
  3. Set out an outfit. The idea is to be as prepared as possible -- and this goes for your look, too. If you've got your interview clothes ready, there's that much less to worry about. What's more, looking as professional as possible is a lot easier to do when you're not in a time crunch in the morning.
    • Stay away from jeans. Depending on the job you're interviewing for, you may need to bust out the suit. Whatever your position on the ladder, a skirt or tie never fails.
    • Just as with anywhere, leave the extra jewelry and flamboyant clothes at home. Good hygiene is important, too, but that's not code for bathing in perfume. Remember, this is your very first impression. Before you even open your mouth, the interviewer is considering your look.
  4. Arrive ten minutes early for the interview.[3] Being early gives you leeway and puts forth the best impression. There may be stairs you have to climb or a locked door -- it's best to account for any obstacle.
    • "On time" is not punctual. Certain companies may consider "on time" late. For an interview, there is no such thing as "fashionably late." Punctuality is always, always best.

During the Interview

  1. Have good energy. Shake the interviewer's hand and smile. A firm handshake indicates confidence and self-assuredness. Coupled with a smile, you'll give off a positive, make-the-company-better attitude.[4]
    • Smile as genuinely as possible. A fake smile can be detected from a mile away. Think about how happy you are to have obtained the interview and how great it would be get started working there.
  2. Maintain eye contact throughout the entire interview. This is absolutely vital. If you shy away from connecting, the interviewer may feel awkward and sense that you're not in it to win it.
    • If you appear too nervous, the interviewer might draw the wrong conclusions about your ability to do the job – especially if it involves interacting with people. Maintaining eye contact is a surefire way of conveying confidence and proving that you're the right person for the job.
  3. Answer -- and ask -- questions. This is the part that will go easiest if you've done a bit of practicing. Sell yourself. Talk about your skills and experiences. Come prepared with answers to typical questions ("Why would our team be better if you were a part of it? How have you handled obstacles at previous employers?) and a few questions yourself to seem engaged and dedicated.
    • In general, follow where the interviewer leads the meeting. However, if they mention something that spawns a question in your mind, don't hesitate to ask. It may make you seem interested, thoughtful, and clearly indicate that you're actively listening.
    • Don't be shy to ask what you want to know! Asking about the position, the requirements, and the expectations will voice your interest and let you know what you're getting into.
  4. Monitor your body language.[5] Even if you're saying all the right things, your body language can be a dead giveaway that you don't believe what you're saying or that you're just plain uncomfortable.
    • Keep your arms uncrossed. Keep your head high and face your interviewer. You want to seem open, approachable, and confident. Mirroring their body language will make them unconsciously pick up on your "familiarity," making them comfortable and like you.[6]
  5. Relax. The more you can stay calm, the more you can be yourself.[7] You'll be able to be funny, smart, and likeable. If you're nervous and shy, the interviewer will be hesitant to view you as competent. Coming prepared is the easiest way to relax.
    • Practicing the night before, picking an outfit, knowing where the location is, doing your research, and coming up with questions will put you at ease. Do whatever it is that will make you feel comfortable, ensuring a successful interview.
  6. Come prepared. Though it may not be explicitly said, it may be a good idea to come with documents in hand. This will show your forward-thinking and professionalism. Grab a folder and be as organized as possible.
    • Consider bringing references, another copy of your resume, citizenship documents (if applicable), or portfolio of your work. Make sure they're neat and not covered in coffee stains!

After the Interview

  1. Follow up with a thank you note. You want to show the interviewer your appreciation for their time and how happy you were to be considered. Immediately after, show proper etiquette by sending a note -- and simultaneously showing your interest and keeping your name in the pool. You'll look professional and polite on top of the qualities you showed at the interview.
    • In certain cases, a phone call may be acceptable. If you received the interview on a name-to-name basis, you may be able to call to show your appreciation.
  2. Utilize your resources. If you know anyone within the company that you can trust, ask them to put in a good word.[8] Get information on how the hiring process is going and what you could do to amp up your position.
    • Networking should never stop. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to better yourself and your networking base.

Tips

  • Don't be negative or use swear words. When it comes to previous employers, stay objective. It's always best to stay positive.
  • Try to be the first or last person interviewed on the day of the interview. Interviewers remember the first and last candidates the most.
  • Be enthusiastic. You're interviewing as a person, not just an employee.

Related Articles

References

  1. ↑ [v161211_b01]. 10 December 2019.
  2. ↑ [v161211_b01]. 10 December 2019.
  3. ↑ http://bitesizebio.com/articles/10-great-tips-to-make-a-good-impression-at-your-interview/
  4. ↑ [v161211_b01]. 10 December 2019.
  5. ↑ [v161211_b01]. 10 December 2019.
  6. ↑ http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/06/30/21-keys-to-magnetic-likeability/
  7. ↑ [v161211_b01]. 10 December 2019.
  8. ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/08/08/do.after.job.interview.cb/index.html
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