Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re looking to make a lasting impression on potential employers. But fear not, with the right interview strategies, you can confidently navigate through the process and stand out during the interview.
7 Tips On How To Leave A Good Impression
The way you present yourself in the interview session will speak a lot about yourself. Follow these tips below to leave a good impression to your interviewers and recruiters.
1. Do Background Research About The Company
Images via Better Prospect & The Balance
Before going to the interview, it is essential to do some background research about the company before you went for the interview.
Things for you to research:
- Company background
- Products and services offer
- Latest updates and achievements
Doing some deep research will demonstrate your genuine interest on the job. Before applying for a job, make sure to update your resume and follow these tips to stand out through your resume and portfolio. With a good resume and portfolio, you have the higher chance to secure a job interview.
2. Dress Professionally
Image via UCF Career Services
Dressing casually for the interview is a big NO. It will make you look unprepared and unprofessional. Dress in formal attire is recommended because generally, all company has to wear formal. Unless the company you went for has a more casual dress code.
It doesn’t matter whether you are interviewing in person or online, making yourself look presentable is your first job to make people interested in you. Remember, first impression matters!
3. Be Punctual
Image via Whitman Associates
Be punctual. Whenever or wherever you are, you must be on time. People who work in professional fields or any other fields value time the most. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes early at the interview place or the office than the scheduled time.
By doing this, it will show your professionalism and how you value time as well as them. It also makes them think that you respect the interviewer’s time too. Make sure to be punctual, okay?
4. Just Be Yourself
Images via Fearless Presentations & LinkedIn
Next, be yourself during the interview session. Don’t try to be someone you are not. It is okay to sell yourself but do not exaggerate and bluff about something you can’t do.
The worse part that will happen after you got accepted is you can’t fulfill their expectations because of your lies. So, what you can do is just be honest when they ask you about some skills or methods, but don’t forget to show them that you are willing to learn about them later.
5. Showcase Your Achievements
Image via Give a Grad a Go
It is important for you to showcase all your achievements while being interviewed. You can share some specific examples of achievements or your past contributions in your past job. Don’t worry if you are a fresh graduate without any work experience, you also can share with them how you handle your university projects like volunteer work, thesis, or your internship experience.
Arrange your answers using the STAR method:
- S: Situation that you faced during the project
- T: Task that has been given to you
- A: Action that you take to handle the problem
- R: Result of the outcome
Always remember to maintain eye contact while you are explaining it. Please avoid sharing something that is not related to the questions.
6. Highlight Your Soft Skills
Image via The Human Capital Hub
In addition to your achievements, recruiters always searching for someone with strong soft skills. Here are some of the soft skills example:
- Problem–solving skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Teamwork & leadership
- Time management
While explaining your soft skills, don’t forget to give some solid examples of your experiences and how you demonstrate all the skills effectively.
7. Ask Questions Back
Image via The New Yorker
Last but not least, at the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions to ask about the job or the company. This is the time when you can show your interest in their company. Don’t just say that you have no questions because it will show that you are not curious and interested in getting a job there.
Examples of questions to ask:
- What are the company’s expectations for the candidate for this position?
- What are the work environment in the office?
- What kind of values does the company keep?
Asking a few questions will make you look like you have a plan to grow and gives a lot of contributions to the company. Don’t just randomly ask about something that is not related to the interview, the job or the company. It will make you look unserious about the job.
Securing a job requires effective interview skills, cultural sensitivity, and preparation. Remember to do all these tips on how to leave a good impression. You’ll be one step closer to career success in the job market. Good luck!
