The 6 Best Ways to Make a Great Impression in Your Interview

When you’re job hunting, one of the most important things you can do is make a great impression in your interview. Just having a great resume is not enough these days. Hiring managers today often use a more scientific approach when deciding who to hire. This means they rely on specific data and methods to assess candidates.

Knowing what bosses want and how they judge candidates is more important than ever. You have to be ready and able to show your skills and personality in a way that matches what the company needs. If you do this well, you have a better chance of making a good impression and getting the job. In this article, we will go over several strategies to help you make a great impression in an interview.

1. Plan your attire

Choosing the right outfit for your interview is important. You want to look professional and polished.

When picking out your outfit, consider the company culture. You want to dress appropriately for the job you’re applying for. If it’s a corporate setting, opt for a suit or professional attire. If it’s a more casual environment, smart casual attire might be better.

Make sure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and wrinkle-free. Pay attention to small details like grooming and accessories. Looking put-together can help you make a good impression right from the start. And if you’re considering height increasing footwear, choose a pair that’s comfortable and compliments your outfit without being too obvious. The goal is to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills and personality during the interview.

But here’s an interesting bonus tip. Studies suggest that appearing taller can actually improve your chances of getting hired. That’s why some people consider wearing height-increasing footwear.

2. Do some research

Understanding the company you’re interviewing with is really important. It helps you know what they care about. You can start by checking their website to see what they do and what they believe in. Look at their social media too to get a feel for their culture. Also, keep up with any recent news about the company.

Matching your skills with what the job needs is also very important which is how researching comes in handy. First, read the job description carefully. It tells you what the company is looking for. Then, think about times in your past where you showed those skills.

Maybe it was at work, volunteering, or in school. Prepare examples to talk about during the interview.

3. Engage with the interviewer

It’s important to be an active participant when you’re doing an interview. Show your interest by listening carefully to what the interviewer is saying. It’s also important to show enthusiasm for the job. You can do this by smiling, nodding, and using positive body language throughout the interview. Let your excitement about the opportunity shine through.

Asking thoughtful questions can help you learn more about the role and company, while also demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm. Before the interview, take some time to think about questions you’d like to ask. Think about topics like company culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth.

During the interview, ask open-ended questions that encourage the interviewer to share more information. Engaging with the interviewer and asking insightful questions will make a positive impression and show that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity.

4. Handle difficult questions

During an interview, you might come across unexpected or tricky questions. When this happens, remain calm and composed. Take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. It’s okay to take your time so if you’re unsure how to answer a question, you can try redirecting it to a topic you’re more comfortable discussing.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but it’s essential to stay calm under pressure. Before the interview, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization to help ease your nerves. Focus on your strengths and the value you can bring to the role rather than dwelling on potential mistakes.

If you encounter a question you’re unsure about, be honest and offer to follow up with more information later. Stay calm, composed, and prepared to handle difficult questions so you can leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

5. Closing the interview

As the interview comes to an end, it’s important to close the conversation effectively and leave a lasting positive impression. One way to do this is by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. You can say something like, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the company and the role.”

It’s also a good idea to reiterate your interest in the position and why you believe you’d be a good fit. You can say something like, “After learning more about the role and the company culture, I’m even more excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team.”

Before the interview concludes, take the opportunity to ask any final questions you may have. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and have been actively engaged throughout the interview process. You can ask about next steps in the hiring process, the timeline for making a decision, or any additional information you may need to make an informed decision about the role.

6. Follow up

After the interview, it’s essential to follow up with the interviewer to express your gratitude and continue to leave a positive impression. One of the most common ways to do this is by sending a thank-you email. This small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview.

In your thank-you email, be sure to reiterate your interest in the position and highlight specific aspects of the interview that stood out to you. You can also use this opportunity to address any points you may have forgotten to mention during the interview or to provide additional information that reinforces your qualifications for the role.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of making a great impression in your interview is key to landing your desired job. Employ strategic techniques from attire selection to engaging with the interviewer, handling tough questions, and closing with confidence. Express gratitude, reiterate interest, and follow up to leave a lasting positive impression.