4 Ways to Make a Better Impression at Your Interview

John Scott
Posted by in Career Advice


You only get one chance to impress an interviewer with your appearance and demeanor, so taking some time to prepare could improve your chances of getting a great job. Use these four tips to make a great impression next time you meet an interviewer.

1. Make sure your personal appearance and attire fit with the organization's expectations. If you will be interviewing in a conservative field such as law or finance, cover up visible tattoos and stick with understated pieces of jewelry. Research each company to find out what kind of attire employees wear. You might be able to find photos of current employees on the company website or blog. If you cannot find photos of current employees wearing professional attire, it is better to be overdressed than dressed too casually.

2. Many interviewers notice the body language displayed by candidates. You cannot make a great impression if you are slouching or sitting with your arms crossed. If you are standing, leave your hands open at your sides. This makes you appear approachable and open to new ideas. When you leave the building, stand up straight and walk with confidence.

3. Always follow the rules of professional courtesy when attending job interviews. When you enter the building, turn off your phone or put the ringer on silent. If you were chewing gum on your way to the interview, dispose of it before you meet with the interviewer. Be prepared to give the interviewer a firm handshake; a limp handshake demonstrates a lack of confidence, so grasp the interviewer's hand firmly without squeezing it too hard. These little courtesies will help you distinguish yourself from competing candidates.

4. Thank everyone you meet during the interview. You might be tempted to thank the interviewer and leave, but you should also thank the receptionist, the assistant who brought you coffee, and any employees you met during the meeting. This will demonstrate your ability to treat people with respect and form positive relationships. 

Job interviews can be daunting, but there are ways to make a good impression on interviewers. Make sure your personal hygiene and attire are up to each company's standards. Be sure to maintain professional body language, be courteous to everyone you meet, and thank each person who helps you during your interview. Following these tips will make job interviews a little easier to handle.

 

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

  • Lisa Kelly
    Lisa Kelly
    Good reminders for those of us that haven't interviewed in a bit of time
  • Chaplain Mike Hruby
    Chaplain Mike Hruby
    Excellent guidance provided;observing these four awarenesses will go a longways towards creating amemorable (and favorable)"first impression".
  • Scott E Conlan
    Scott E Conlan
    These suggestions are all obvious to a job-seeker.  No one will hire a slothful, preoccupied, uncomfortable, rude, or ungracious candidate.  Don't forget the exit handshake.
  •  Helen Watson
    Helen Watson
    Great information
  • ROSEMARY SMITH
    ROSEMARY SMITH
    Those were very good pointers.
  • Ann Leonard
    Ann Leonard
    informative
  • Rasheedah  Blake
    Rasheedah  Blake
    This is excellent advice. I have been on both sides of interviewing candidates and now I am searching for work.What you wear says a lot about your self esteem and gets you off to a great start.When I look good I naturally feel good! I always want that to resonate to the person interviewing me!
  • PERCY WHITE
    PERCY WHITE
    Great information I can use.
  • Albert Royster
    Albert Royster
    The article is well thought out. It offers tips on things we may seem  to take for granite but are important  making the first impression.
  • Kuol Chany
    Kuol Chany
    confident and tolerant to waiting interview
  • Winifred Robinson
    Winifred Robinson
    I agree completely. I was once turned down for a job during an interview when I  wore a dress  covered with flowers.The person interviewing was kind enough to point out to me that it might have been better to where something more conservative to the interview, a lesson well learned.

Jobs to Watch