5 Tips For Making The Best First Impression
It’s important to remember that it is rare for you to be the only candidate being interviewed for a job. The hiring manager has no way to know how talented you are or if you’re a good fit for the company unless you demonstrate those skills in the interview. Keep in mind you are not the only person attempting to prove themselves. Here are 5 tips to help you make the best first impression
It’s important to remember that it is rare for you to be the only candidate being interviewed for a job. The hiring manager has no way to know how talented you are or if you’re a good fit for the company unless you demonstrate those skills in the interview. Keep in mind you are not the only person attempting to prove themselves.
Here are 5 tips to help you make the best first impression:
1. Dress for the job you want
A lot of those new to job interviews fidget constantly and tug at ill-fitting business-wear. Doing so is immediately distracting and can affect your confidence – not to mention an interviewer’s confidence in you. Treat yourself to a good-fitting suit that matches your style. When you know you look good, you will find it easier to relax, present yourself naturally and focus your attention on selling your skills. Start dressing for the career you want, rather than the entry-level position you’re applying for!
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2. Research all aspects of the job
Too many new interviewees enter the interview blind, assuming they will learn all they need to know about the position from the hiring manager or interviewer. This does little to inspire confidence in your initiative or skillset. Instead, ensure you research all aspects of the jobs, including finer details about the company and the position. You must communicate your value.
By doing so, you will be prepared to talk about how your prior experience and educational background is a great fit for the company and the job. Who knows, all those years waiting tables or babysitting for friends and family might turn out to be ideal out-of-the-box qualifications to help you stand out from all the other candidates.
3. Demonstrate your social skills
You should aim to impress the hiring manager with your exceptional social skills. This doesn’t mean you turn into a creeper, but looking around the office for clues about the interviewer’s hobbies or interests is often not a bad idea. Perhaps they have a diploma from one of your old schools or colleges – looks for any items you can use to establish some common ground. Of course, always make sure you know they’re conducting the interview in their own office, otherwise, you could end up praising someone else’s family photos.
4. Use your interview time smartly
Have you ever been to an interview that felt more like a coffee date? You chatted for over thirty minutes, but hardly discussed the specifics of the job. While a good chat can indicate good chemistry between yourself and the interviewer, it can also become somewhat of a trap. Smart interviewers might actually be testing your ability to control a conversation and steer it in the right direction. Try to relate everything you speak about back to your skillset and eagerness to succeed in the position.
5. Overprepare
Preparation is the key to success in many arenas. Too many new job seekers give one-word answers. It’s a good idea to prepare some set answers to questions that are likely to come up. You don’t want to turn your answers into a lengthy monologue, but your answers need to be long enough to demonstrate your acuity, intelligence, and suitability for the position. Always take note of the Interviewer’s body language when speaking and lookout for signs of boredom and great interests, and adapt your answers accordingly.