If you’ve got an interview coming up and need some help preparing for it, we have a few tips that will help you make a good first impression and increase the chances of you being hired.
How To Make A Good First Impression At An Interview
- Do your research
- Dress for the role
- Arrive on time
- Be organised
- Know your core values
- Show enthusiasm
- Share relevant stories
- Take strategic pauses
- Don’t forget to smile
- Have confidence
Do Your Research
Prepare yourself for any questions that might be asked about the company as well as yourself. Make sure to do some research about what the company does and to analyse yourself- your strengths, weaknesses, and areas you may need to improve on.
Dress For The Role
Your interview attire is one of the key points that will make an impact on your first impression. If you underdress, it will seem as if you’re not that interested, but overdress, and it will look as if you’re unpleasantly trying too hard. If you’re unsure of what to wear, check out these interview attire tips. If you need your clothes professionally cleaned and ironed, schedule a collection with Laundryheap.
Arrive On Time
Arrive early but not too early. Allow yourself to arrive at least 10 minutes before the allocated time to not only prepare yourself but to show that you are punctual. If you happen to be running late, let them know as soon as possible as this shows a sense of professionalism.
Be Organised
No interviewer wants to hire someone who is disorganised. Make sure you bring everything needed for the interview and present them neatly organised into a plastic file or folder so that it is readily accessible when needed.
Know Your Core Values
Going back to what I mentioned earlier, it’s essential to know your strengths and core values that you could add to the company. Know your weaknesses and how you are currently improving them. Interviewers will try to see what you are capable of by the answers you give them. Sometimes they will also ask ‘irrelevant’ questions that are supposed to test specific skill sets they’re looking for, like whether you’re a problem solver.
Show Enthusiasm
Don’t forget that you’ve been invited for the interview because they think you might have the right skills for the job and are interested to know more about you. If you want to make a good impression to increase your chances of getting hired, show the same interest back. Show how and why you are the right person for the job and that you can add value to the company.
Share Relevant Stories
Most of the time, interviewers will ask questions that they should already know the answer to because it’s on your CV. What they really want to hear is a story as to how you came across attaining this skill and how you use or have used it.
Take Strategic Pauses
Naturally, you may need to take a few moments during the interview to gather your thoughts. A simple trick is to take a few sips of water now and then when you need to refresh your mind. Usually, they will offer you a beverage but have water with you just in case.
Don’t Forget To Smile
While eye contact is essential, you shouldn’t forget to smile. Remember to smile upon meeting your interviewer and at appropriate times during the interview. It will radiate positivity and show that you know how to communicate well with others, giving you a higher chance for consideration to be hired.
Have Confidence
Being prepared for an interview won’t stop the natural habit of being nervous. The only way to overcome that is by thinking positively and being confident. Be confident with what you already know and give it your best shot!