Here's how you can leave a positive first impression during an interview.

I always believe in the old adage, "dress for the job you want; not the job you have." Wearing proper interview attire (professionally dressed) goes a long way in the hiring process. Your attire is the first thing the hiring manager will see.

The Key to an Extraordinary Interview: Preparation, Confidence, Connection For an extraordinary interview, prepare thoroughly, be confident, and connect with the interviewer. Research the company, job, and interviewers. Adapt this knowledge into your responses. Prepare compelling stories showcasing your qualifications. Practice telling them concisely and engagingly. Show enthusiasm and authenticity. Ask thoughtful questions demonstrating your research. Share your passion for the work and company mission. Follow up with a thank-you note reiterating your interest and interview highlights. Extraordinary interviews require preparation, confidence, and connection. Practice responses, communicate proactively, and keep learning. Good luck!

Dress appropriately for the interview, considering the company culture and industry norms. Please make sure that your attire is clean, well-fitted, and reflects professionalism. Arrive on time for the interview or join the virtual meeting promptly. Being punctual demonstrates reliability and respect for the interviewer's time. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake (if applicable) to convey confidence and professionalism. Avoid slouching, fidgeting, or crossing your arms, as these can indicate nervousness or lack of confidence. Research the company and the role thoroughly before the interview. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, products/services, and recent developments.

Interviews almost never run exactly on time because there are too many outside factors affecting the schedule. For that reason you need to show up early and be prepared to be late. Showing up early reflects positively on you and ensures you are completely ready when they are ready to begin your interview. Your calm and understanding if they are running late tells them you are able to monitor and adjust when necessary.

Articulation is probably the hardest thing to master for interviews... So much going around your head, the prep around the organisation, linking experience to the job description, working out how best to sell your KPI's, the work for the presentation you have put in... It's easy to assume the panel know how you have completed x, y or z but they key always is, even if internal interview, assume they know nothing... Your starting from scratch so make sure you remain focused and explain all stages in detail to paint the best picture of yourself...

Send a personalised thank-you note or email within 24 hours of the interview, reiterating your interest in the role and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. This demonstrates professionalism and reinforces your enthusiasm for the position.

When interviewing and giving the interviewee the opportunity to ask questions, I expect that all professionals have at least one question. A job change is a major decision that takes thoughtful consideration, so the lack of questions tells me they are either inexperienced or unprepared. I would recommend researching the organization and job to the extent you can prior to interviewing and arriving with a list of questions. At the end of the interview, review the list and inquire about any topics not addressed and clarifying questions for topics discussed but not clear to you. This will show you are prepared and thorough while also giving you sufficient information to determine if it is the right fit for you.

I appreciate the opportunity to interview with the company and thank the interviewer(s) for their time at the end of the meeting. A sincere thank-you note or email following the interview can help you make a positive impression.

During an interview, consider asking how employee success is defined in the first 30 days, 60 days, and 6 months for the position. Understanding the success metrics can provide insights into the company’s priorities for this role. You can then share an example of how you designed a specific product or improved operations or customer experience in the past. Demonstrating your ability to address similar challenges will increase your likelihood of being hired. In AI & Data Science fields be prepared to share the code of another AI product designed by you.

Remember that interviewers are still just people. Take their social cues and create a comfortable and conversational atmosphere for them to enjoy during your interview. If they leave the interview with a positive feeling, they will naturally give you stronger consideration for the job.

Communicate clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon or overly technical language. Please practice active listening and responding thoughtfully to questions, demonstrating your ability to articulate ideas and communicate effectively. Tailor your responses to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Provide specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities and accomplishments. Maintain a positive and professional demeanour throughout the interview, even if you encounter challenging questions or situations. Showcase your ability to stay composed and handle pressure with grace.