If you are asked to attend a job interview, it means that the recruiters are interested enough in you to meet you in person and determine if they would in fact offer you a job. Creating a good impression is important to ensure the recruiters remember you and feel confident that you will fit in with their organisations culture. Here are my top 7 tips for creating a good impression at a job interview.
1. Do your research
Research the company and the position before your interview. Demonstrating your knowledge of the company and the job will be an advantage.
2. Pay attention to the details
Make sure you have the name and the job title of the person interviewing you. Make sure you know the time, date and location of the interview. Find out before hand if you need to ’sign in’ at the security desk and allow extra time for that if you need to. Check public transport or parking access and make sure you know where you are going and be ON TIME. I worked for a company that had 2 locations in the same street – one was a branded retail store and the other was an office building. I can’t tell you how people would turn up at the retail store for their interview, even though they had been given the office address. Nothing will shatter your nerves more than being late for your interview because you went to the wrong address.
3. Dress for the occasion
You don’t need to rush out and buy a designer suit, but make sure you look the part. There is a saying that I really like “dress for the job you want, not for the job you have”. Make sure your clothes fit you well and go for a classic style. Minimise the jewellery, keep your hair neat and tidy and polish your shoes. Yes, they will notice. Use your common sense – if you’re going for a job in a funky retail store, it’s probably OK to show a bit of your fashion flair but if you’re going for a corporate job stick to the classic suit.
4. Body Language
Avoid folding your arms and legs, use a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, sit upright in your chair, speak clearly and SMILE 
5. Remember your manners
Be prepared for small talk before and after the interview. Be courteous to the people you meet – shake hands, smile & make eye contact. Thank your interviewers for taking the time to meet you and don’t forget to thank the receptionist on the way out.
6. Show your personality
Be positive about the skills you have and what you can do for the organisation. Be enthusiastic with your responses but don’t be a ‘know it all’ or be too over-enthusiastic about your achievements.
7. Listen and answer the questions
Listen to the question being asked. If they ask something like “tell me about a time when…” or “give me an example of…” they are looking for a specific example of something you have done in the past, they’re not asking what you “would” do in a situation. If you don’t understand the question, ask politely for them to repeat it. If you are really stumped, try not to waffle on with the first thing that comes into your head. Think about the question and say “that’s a great question, would you mind giving me a minute to think about it”. This will give you breathing space and a minute to get your thoughts together.
BONUS TIP – Ask questions
Prepare yourself before the interview and have some questions in mind that you’d like to ask about the job and the company. Do your research and you’ll naturally end up with a list of questions. Don’t forget that the interview is also YOUR opportunity to find out as much as you can about the company, the job and the people you are likely to with. Recruiters will be impressed with someone who has taken the time to really consider whether the working environment is right for them.
Till next time,
