Making a positive impression is vital to help maximize your chances of landing the role you want in your next face-to-face or video interview. Making a positive impression depends on more than just answering the questions that are put to you. Your demeanor and attitude will be observed from the first time you meet the interviewer to the moment you leave the room or hang up the video call.
Here are five tips to help you make the best impression possible in your next interview and get your dream job!
1) Be aware of non-verbal communication
Communication skills are conveyed through more than just your words. In order to demonstrate that you are a calm and confident professional, it’s important to consider your physical actions. Sitting up straight and making eye contact will demonstrate confidence to the hiring manager.
A professional demeanor is just as important in video interviews. Make sure that you look engaged and keep eye contact with your interviewer. Slouching and looking around the room will not make a good impression!
2) Be punctual
Punctuality demonstrates organizational and timekeeping skills.
If traveling to an interview, the key is to account for every eventuality. Make sure you leave 30 minutes before you think you need to avoid or reduce the impact of any delays. If you’re driving, have an alternative route planned.
If you’re traveling by railway, catch the train before the one that will get you there on time in case of cancellations.
With a video interview, make sure you set up early to account for any unforeseen technical glitches. Make sure to check that all your equipment works, including your camera, laptop, connection, webcam and link to the interview.
Some eventualities are unavoidable, so if you are going to be late or unable to attend your interview, be sure to ring the company or agency to let them know.
3) Dress appropriately
Dress codes can vary greatly between businesses, with some favoring business attire and others operating more casually. Don’t assume that just because a company adheres to a certain dress code that you should wear similar interview attire.
In a video interview scenario, you should still dress the part. If you make the effort to wear a full outfit of business attire as you would in a face-to-face interview, you will feel and act more professionally.
To ensure that you make the right impression, do your research and you can even ring ahead or ask your recruiter about the company’s dress code policy for interviews.
4) Listen to the interviewer
When nervous, it’s easy to mishear or forget elements of an interviewer’s question. Make sure you listen carefully and don’t be afraid to ask for the question to be repeated. Demonstrating that you have understood and considered every element of a question demonstrates good communication skills and provides you with an opportunity to showcase your abilities.
5) Prepare questions
After almost every interview, both face-to-face and remote, you will be asked if you have any questions. Research the company, its competitors, industry trends and press releases to help you construct thoughtful questions and leave a good final impression. This will demonstrate your interest in the role, as well as professional insight.
With these key tips, you will demonstrate to your interviewer that you are an astute and confident professional. By applying them to your next interview, as well as showcasing your knowledge and providing good answers to your questions, you make a great impression.
Are you looking to stand out from other candidates? Why not learn more about strengthening your personal brand?
