Make a great first impression in your job interview

If your resume and cover letter have done the right job, you’ll get an interview. 

This means the employer is interested and wants to get to know you better, learn more about you, your skills and experience, and, most importantly, whether you’re the right person for the role.

Most people form an opinion of you in the first few seconds after you meet. A good first impression counts and greatly influences whether or not you get the job.

So here are a few tips you can do to give you some confidence and, most importantly, a better chance of securing that new job.

It’s all about preparation

Being prepared helps you feel less nervous, which translates to more confidence. 

Before your interview:

1. Research the business before the interview. If you can show you know a few things about the organisation, it will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job.

2. Dress smartly and neatly and choose what’s suitable for the company and the image you want to project.

3. Make sure you brush your teeth or carry a breath mint with you before you enter where you’ll be interviewed.

4. Arrive on time for your interview. Allow plenty of time to make your way there. It’s OK to arrive a few minutes early. Even make a practice run to the location a few days before to make sure you won’t be late on the day.

5. Be polite and friendly when introducing yourself to the receptionist and/or the person who greets you when you arrive.

6. While you wait to be taken to your interview, it is best to sit comfortably and as calmly as you can - your first impression starts as soon as you arrive.

During your interview:

1. Make sure your mobile phone is switched off. So it doesn’t distract you, definitely do not answer it during an interview.

2. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous before and during your interview – take some deep breaths and try to relax into a smile.

3. Be positive and enthusiastic, and shake hands firmly with each person you meet. A strong handshake leaves the impression of confidence, especially if you maintain eye contact at the same time.

4. During your interview, sit comfortably upright. Your posture can also have a big impact on someone’s first impression of you. It is important to stand and sit straight, hold your head up and keep your shoulders back.

5. Speak clearly and confidently, be polite and make sure you look people in the eye when you’re talking. If there’s more than one person (there often is), look at the person who asked you the question and then move your gaze to the others as you answer.

6. Make sure you ask a few good questions of your own. Doing your research will help you prepare one or two questions that you want to know about the job or company.

7. At the end of the interview, thank your interviewer for their time.

 And we could end by saying ‘good luck’, but it’s not luck. 

Your resume and letter got you the interview, and your preparation will help you get the job. 

So here’s to ‘good preparation’!