Job Interview: How to Make a Terrific Impression (Guest blog)

You already got the opportunity to be at a job interview for your dream job, congratulations! That alone is already a major accomplishment, but now you have to start preparing for it. Making a good impression on your job interview is very important. It could mean the difference between a potential career and one that never gets off the ground. In this blog, we’ll go through some of the best ways to leave a good impression during a job interview.

1.    Don’t go there without any knowledge of the company.

It's always a good idea to research your prospective employer, interviewers, and the company before you even start the interview process. This way, you’ll understand how the company functions and you’ll be prepared to answer questions on what you know about their company.

2.    Prepare a well-made resume.

One of the first things a prospective employer will be looking for is your resume. Your resume is one of the most important documents you have in your career. It should be an accurate representation of who you are and what you are capable of. You want to leave an impression that is worth remembering. Check out these amazing ATS resume templates to help you along the way.

3.    Practice, practice, practice!

Before you go to an interview, it is best to practice answering some of the most common interview questions, so that you know what to expect. This can give you the best chance at being successful in the interview. Not only can you practice your answers, but you can also determine how confident you are in your answers.

4.    Review the job description.

Re-reading the job description is one of the important steps in preparing yourself for your interview. Look for the specific skills and traits that the employer is looking for, making sure you have a functional resume that highlights your experience in those specific areas. Focus on those traits, too, throughout your interview. This will show the interviewer that you are a good fit for the position.

5.    Dress appropriately.

When you are dressing for an interview, you want to make sure that you are presenting yourself in a professional manner and not dressing too casual. Dress to impress and find out what it is that your interviewer wants to see in a potential hire.

6.    Be there on time.

Being punctual is a key component of job interviews. The minute you walk into the interview, you are putting yourself out there and you want to make a good impression. Being late will not make you look any better. If your interview starts at 9:00am, be there at 8:50am, making sure you’re the one waiting, not your interviewers.

7.    Consider your body language.

Everybody knows that verbal communication is important, but most people forget about the nonverbal aspect and how it is just as important as your words. The way you carry yourself and the non-verbal gestures can convey what kind of person you are and whether or not you would be a good fit for the company. So always remember to be mindful of your body language. You can help your chances of getting a job by being mindful of your non-verbal behavior and being aware of what is going on with the interviewee's body language.

8.    Show them your enthusiasm and passion.

Show enthusiasm in your answers. Let them know that you are very excited about the opportunity and that you love the work. When your interviewers see that you are passionate about the company and that you truly want to be there, it gives them a more confident feeling. They feel like they can trust you more, which can lead to you getting the job.

9.    Be genuine, honest, and respectful at all times.

It’s cliché but it’s true most times — “Always be yourself”. Of course, you want to make sure that you are confident in your answers and can answer any questions that the interviewer might ask. However, being genuine, honest, and respectful to the interviewers are very important aspects of a job interview. Do not lie, nor exaggerate the truth. This won’t give you the good impression that you want. If you try to be someone that you are not, it could cost you the job.

10.    Relax and don’t be too stiff.

Smile and just relax. Interviewers can feel if you’re being too stiff or if you are too nervous. All of the other tips are very important, but being confident of yourself and just letting it all come out naturally is just as important. It's best to be positive and approach the interview with a smile. Keep in mind that you are not being judged by the interviewer, they are just there to see if you are a good fit for the position. When you are relaxed and smile, it gives a good impression and also can break the ice.

Final Thoughts: “First impressions last for quite some time.”

Have you ever heard of the 7/11 rule? It states that in just seven seconds, people will have eleven impressions about you. Use this to your advantage on your next job interview. Remember to come prepared, always be yourself, answer their questions in a smart yet truthful manner, and most importantly, just enjoy the show! Good luck!