How to Make the Best Impression at a Job Interview

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First impressions matter, especially when you are in an interview for a job. Keep this in mind and make sure the first impression you leave is a good and professional one.

There is an important step in your job search that not only comes before an interview but is your best means of getting an interview. You need to have a good resume.

Make sure that your resume is professional, easy-to-read, accurately reflects your qualifications for the job, and stands out from all the other resumes received by recruiters or hiring managers.

To create the best possible resume, you can either start from scratch or use a resume maker to create the kind of resume that hiring managers will want to see.

Even though you have already submitted your resume, you should always bring along at least two copies with you to an interview. The hiring manager you are speaking with might not have been the person who actually reviewed your resume and set up the appointment.

Dress Appropriately

What you are wearing and your general appearance can play a role in how you are perceived. Dress codes vary from company to company.

Some offices want their employees to dress in formal business attire like dresses and suits. Others allow their employees to wear business casual clothing.

It is best for you to dress professionally in a suit or dress. Stay away from clothes that are too tight, too baggy, too flashy, and too revealing.

Be on Time

The best way to ruin the first impression is to be late. So don’t do it. Show up on time. Try to leave early enough in case you hit traffic or get lost.

If something happens that you cannot avoid such as a car accident, call immediately and let the hiring manager know. Don’t just show up late and apologize that you got stuck in traffic because of an accident.

Present behaviors are indicative of future behaviors, so by being late, you are telling a future employer that you are unreliable.

Be Prepared

Before going to a company for a job interview, take the time to do some research and learn some basic information about the company.

Visit their website and learn about any relevant news so you can talk intelligently about the company and show that you took that extra effort.

 

Practice your responses to typical interview questions like:

 

  • What can you tell me about yourself?
  • What major challenges and problems did you face?
  • How do you handle stress and pressure? –
  • What is your greatest strength?
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • Why are you leaving or have left your job?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • Why should I consider hiring you?
  • Where do you see yourself five years from now?

If you know ahead of time some of the questions you might be asked, you can prepare for how you will answer them and your responses will be better.

Make sure you can respond to specific questions about your resume and bring along any relevant portfolio showcasing your best work.

Ask Questions

A job interview should be a two-way street. Don’t just sit there and only answer questions. Ask thoughtful and intelligent questions such as “What does it take to be a top performer for this job”? This will show the interviewer that not only do you really want the job, but that you want to be successful.

Don’t ask too many questions. You don’t want to seem like you are interviewing the interviewer. Just ask enough to show your level of interest and eagerness to get the job offer.

Make a Connection

Try to establish a rapport with your interviewer. You want to show that you are an effective communicator who can interact with others in a professional and pleasant manner.

Make sure to smile during your interview. You also want to come across as genuine and positive. You want the interviewer to like you enough to want to hire you.

In addition to showing interest in the job, show some interest in the person. Starting out the interview with casual small talk is a great icebreaker.

You can also ask questions like “how long have you worked here” to help make the necessary personal connection you need to leave a good impression with an interviewer.