How To Make A Good Impression At An Interview

The beginning is the most important part of a job interview. That’s when you have a chance to make a good impression—or a bad one—on the person conducting the interview.  Some managers or recruiters say that the first 30 seconds is often enough to make a decision! While you probably have a bit longer than that, it does show how crucial those first moments of meeting are. Don’t let it slack either; keep it up throughout the interview and, assuming you are a good fit for the job, you ramp up your chances of success.

Here, we look at some of the things that you can do to make a good impression at an interview.

Make an effort with your appearance

Contrary to popular belief, not all job interviews require you to wear a suit and tie. Many do, of course – a stock broker in the city or a lawyer would almost definitely need formal attire, but if you are going for a job at an informal games testing business, you may not look quite right if you turn up too formal. Do your research – but if you are not sure, err on the side of caution and wear smart trousers and shirt or sweater. Don’t forget the small – details though: make sure everything is clean and unwrinkled, shoes are clean, nails are short and clean, facial hair is neatly trimmed or clean shaven and you have paid a visit to the barber beforehand.

Make sure your stuff about the company

Doing your research before you attend the interview – before you even apply for a job, ideally – is crucial. Many interviewers ask potential candidates what they know about the business already. If you can show that you have taken the time to find out about them, this is going to give you additional brownie points and put you ahead of your competition. LinkedIn is a good place to start.

Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm

For some reason, it has become almost taboo to show excitement and enthusiasm over a potential new job, but actually, most employers would welcome someone showing a genuine passion for a job. After all, they do not want someone who is going to be apathetic and unmotivated doing the job. 

Show them why you are a good fit for the job

Don’t just tell them you have the right qualifications and experience – show them. Tell them stories to illustrate your skills and knowledge; share examples of problem solving and initiative. The more proactive that you are, the more you are going to stand out amongst other candidates.

Follow up after the interview

The final way to make a good impression is to reach out to them after the interview with a brief email. Thank them for taking the time to interview you and remind them of why you are the best candidate for the job.

By following these steps, you will immediately put yourself at an advantage against your fellow candidates. There’s no guarantee, of course, but making a good impression always goes a long way.