How to Make a Great Impression During a Job Interview

Research

Start with research. Find out not only what position you are applying for, but also the story of the company that is recruiting for it. Is it a small family business or a large corporation? Learn about the company culture. Websites like Glassdoor can help you understand what employees think about their employer.

Think about the role and what questions you may be asked, apart from the standard background checks about who you are and why you are interested in working there.

Practise Firm Answers to Interview Questions

Your answers do not have to be perfect, but being confident does help you make a good impression. Be prepared to list your significant accomplishments and share some stats if you have any, especially if you helped your previous employer save money, improve processes, or obtain a client.

Prepare Your Own Questions

Interviews are never a one-way street. Many employers expect you to ask questions. This shows that you are thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking during your interview:

• How does a typical day for a person in my job role look like?
• Can you explain some of the responsibilities?
• If I were to be successful in this interview, how would you measure my performance?
• What challenges does the role present?

Show Up on Time

We are not going to explain this one. It is that obvious! But buses get stuck in traffic and life is unpredictable. If you happen to be late, do not let the stress overwhelm you. These things happen, especially in larger enterprises, so be genuinely apologetic, offer availability on another day, or be ready to be interviewed on the spot if you do eventually get through the traffic.

Dress for Success

A tie and suit is not always the best choice to impress during an interview, but casual shorts will not help you either. Keep in mind that your appearance matters, so whether it is more appropriate to dress smart or half-casual, make sure it is professional and adjusted for the role. Do not wear anything that stands out too much. Press your shirt or wear a sweater that will cover the wrinkles. If you do not know which option applies, choose formal clothes. Do not forget an umbrella in case it rains.

Put Your Phone Away

Nothing will kill the positive atmosphere during an interview like a ringing phone (or a vibration sound even if it is coming from the bottom of your bag). It may be taken as a sign of disrespect, give a hint that you are not serious about this opportunity, or simply distract both you and the interviewer to the point that the latter will cut the conversation short. Turn off your phone (or put it on “Do Not Disturb” mode) before you start the interview and keep it hidden the whole time.

Look Out for the Handshake

Recruiters will often greet you and wait for your move when it comes to a handshake. In some cultures, a handshake is not as common, and some recruiters do not want to offend anyone. So if you decide to shake hands, you should initiate it. A good handshake is firm but not too excessive. Remember to smile and look the other person in the eye, and you will make an excellent first impression.