You’ve landed a job interview. How can you make the best first impression?

Show them you were a wise choice when they invited you to the interview. It's hard to fake preparation. When we dig below the surface to research, we can identify ways we can help them solve problems, reduce risk, improve, reach goals, and make an impact. To do this well: 1. Leverage AI to understand their competitive landscape. 2. Understand what they're talking about on social media, in the press, on podcasts, in articles, etc. 3. Review the job description and map your experience back to their must have's. 4. Note what jumps out that interests you about them as you research. When we're clear about these details, we show up with a point of view and the ability to have a business conversation. This is also how we stand out.

The best way to prepare is by reaching out to someone at the company and gaining inside information about the challenges they're facing. This way you can frame your answers based on the problems they actually need to solve, rather than other hypothetical answers you might give. This can also help to gain a referral to the hiring manager, which is far more important than your actual accomplishments.

I wouldn’t do “some” research. I’d do a significant amount about the company and the person interviewing. If the company is public, read the last available annual report to get a sense for the growth areas and risks the company talks about. During this, write down questions you’re genuinely curious about. Show that you are thinking beyond the job/role and about the company - this separates you from the majority of applicants who are too narrowly focused with their preparation and questions. Ask the person how they define success for the role and also for themselves. What’s in the way of this today etc.

Investiga tanto la empresa como a la persona que te va a investigar. Trata de liderar la conversación y haz preguntas sobre la responsabilidad del puesto, lo que esperan de la persona que lo ocupe, sobre qué pasó con el anterior, sobre tus pares, planes de carrera y sobretodo ?por qué ellos han elegido tu CV? Y ?por qué deberías aceptar un puesto así? En lugar de recitar tu CV, que sean ellos los que justifiquen porque eres el candidato idóneo para el puesto.

First BE ON TIME for the interview, regardless if it’s in person or online. Second remember so much of communication is NON VERBAL and #bodylanguage plays a very important role in your first impression and demonstrating #confidence. From good posture and strong eye contact to a firm handshake and relevant facial expressions, all of these play a role in how the interviewer will see you. Again most of these apply both in person and online.

Get into the habit of keeping yourself well groomed and appropriately dressed at all times. You suddenly cannot look well groomed or well dressed before an interview. This is something that comes with carefully working on your appearance. That said, no matter what you wear or how great you look, it is your behaviour that really defines you. Feel good inside to look good outside. Besides wearing your best outfit, what you need to work upon is wearing the right attitude.

?? Dress for Success Experiment! ?? In my career class, I'd challenge students: attend job fairs dressed casually, then in professional attire. The goal? Understand perception. It was fascinating to see how differently they were perceived. Clothing speaks volumes – a valuable lesson in professional image and first impressions! ?? #DressForSuccess #ProfessionalImage

Make sure you project confidence during the interview. Stay updated on the required skills and expectations. If you feel your confidence is lacking, consider practicing beforehand before heading out for the interview. Maintain a well-groomed appearance and arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview starts. Additionally, ensure to have a couple of hard copies of your resume with you.

Choose an outfit that aligns with the company culture and the formality of the interview. Pay attention to grooming and accessories. Lay out your attire the night before to minimize stress on the interview day.

Up to a point, it can be good to dress one step more formally than existing employees, depending on the workplace. For example, if employees in e.g. an IT area mostly come to work in t-shirts and jeans, it is still appropriate to attend the interview in a buttoned shirt/smart top and slacks/pants/skirt. This shows a level of effort and respect to your interview panel, rather than appearing laid-back, over-confident or lazy. Once you have the job, then you can go with the prevailing dress code. Caveat: if you’re applying to a law firm, don’t one-up by appearing in tails and a top hat, a dark suit, plain shirt and conservative tie (or non-gender-specific equivalent) is sufficient. ??

BE ON TIME FOR EVERYTHING. Seriously. No one needs to wait on your arrival. Be prepared. Prepack the car. Have your briefcase ready. Know where to park. Go rock this interview!! Thanks - Sheila

Punctuality is paramount for a stellar first impression in a job interview. Being late suggests disrespect, poor planning, and time mismanagement. To sidestep this pitfall, meticulously plan your route, assess traffic and weather, and allocate extra time for potential setbacks. Arriving at least 10 minutes early allows for a composed check-in, a moment to unwind, and mental preparation. If unforeseen circumstances arise, promptly contact the interviewer to apologize. A timely arrival not only showcases your reliability but also sets a positive tone, signaling your commitment and professionalism from the outset.

From where I am residing, traffic could be quite unpredictable. In case of having an interview at city centre, do plan your routes. If possible, perform actual time check by physically being there, prior to the actual interview day. It's always good to be early to help ease your mental clutter. To be early is on time, to be on time is late.

Punctuality is crucial. Plan your route in advance, considering potential traffic or delays. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Conduct a trial commute a day before to gauge the time required and identify any potential obstacles.

?? Time – a Tricky Companion ?? The paradox of time: either too much or never enough. The key? Plan for plenty. Rushing through interviews benefits no one. Prepare adequately to ensure you're not racing against the clock. Time is a precious ally when approached thoughtfully. ? #TimeManagement #InterviewPrep

Greet everyone you encounter with a warm smile and positive demeanor. Show genuine interest and gratitude for the opportunity. Practice a maintaining eye contact to convey sincerity.

Be respectful to others. There's a difference between being friendly and respectful. It doesn't mean that we have to agree to everything others have said, because rejecting others could portray a sign of refusal or disagreement.

Even if you think you’re a walk-in for a job, try not to come across as overconfident or arrogant, as it creates a negative impression of how you will be as an employee and colleague. Be confident, attentive, sit up straight in your chair (don’t slouch or hang your arm over a neighbouring chair) make eye contact with the person asking the question, address all panel members equally if there’s more than one (unless one has been clearly indicated as eg a scribe, but still treat them with respect) and don’t share any negative anecdotes about previous employers, it makes you look disloyal and creates doubt about your integrity.

Smile, hold eye contact, keep your movements and your voice measured and deliberate. Answer the questions you are asked - don't just give answers you have prepared. Listen carefully and engage with the question. You might need to think on your feet or say things in a different order, but an interview is a conversation, not a recital.

1.What about when the interviewer is late. 2.distracted. 3.unprofessional. 4.unprepard. 5.disengaged. 5.disrepectful. 6.lie to you. 7.waiste your time.??

La comunicación es el quid de la cuestión. ?Cuántas personas pasan por las entrevistas sin pena ni gloria? Se centran en contar datos y más datos que ya están en su CV, pero no consiguen generar ninguna emoción que haga que el reclutador les recuerde. Piensa lo siguiente: "si te han seleccionado para la entrevista es porque tu CV cumple con lo que necesitan, olvídate de repetir lo que viene ahí y céntrate en emocionar con tu storytelling. El headhunter tiene que pensar que eres la persona que le encantaría tener como compa?ero de trabajo o como jefe". Puedes hacer 2 masters más o puedes formarte en "Hablar en público" en la "Escuela de conferenciantes" de Helpers Speakers en sólo 20 horas. La comunicación marca la diferencia.

Be yourself. Remember that the panel has done many interviews for the same position. In my opinion the best interview is one where it is a dialog between you and the the panel rather than just question and answer.

Another way to structure your answers with the CAR method: Context, Action, Result. For instance, "In my previous role, I identified a problem, implemented a solution, and boosted efficiency by 30%." #PublicSpeaking #InterviewTips

Look people straight in the eye when answering questions. We sometimes tend to look down, or up, or even to the side when we are formulating answers to questions. Those actions make us look less confident. Don't hesitate to pause and be thoughtful before answering. When we start right in and then we pause, that is a weaker position.

Articulate your thoughts clearly, demonstrating your skills and experiences effectively. Be mindful of your body language and tone. Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror to refine your responses.

Ask questions just before the interview is done to verify your understanding of the requirements for the job. This also gives a good impression on your side.

?? **Seal the Deal with Gratitude: Send a Thank You Note!** ?? After your interview extravaganza, keep the momentum flowing with a splash of appreciation. Within 24 hours, whisk off a vibrant thank-you note via email or handwritten charm. Keep it brief, specific, and professional, expressing gratitude, rekindling interest, and highlighting your shining strengths. Dive into a memorable moment from the interview, showcasing your engagement and enthusiasm. Then, sparkle with confidence, emphasizing how you'll dazzle the company with your value. And don't forget the grand finale—a call to action, whether it's nudging for next steps or eagerly offering further insights! ???

Dress appropriately for the company culture. Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview. Showcase your enthusiasm and passion for the role.

The most important aspect is do your background research on those interviewing you. You should look them all up and be familiar with their backgrounds. It shows diligence and preparation and makes for easier conversation. Look for interesting facts about them. See if you have anything in common. Complement them on any recent accomplishment they might have posted on social media or that perhaps appeared in the news. Google, LinkedIn, and other forms of social media are full of information. And please, send them a personal thank-you note within days after the interview thanking them and expressing your continued excitement and interest at the prospect of working for them! Good luck.

When presented with the opportunity to ask your own questions toward the end of the interview, ask this: What else do you need to know to determine I am the right (or perfect) fit for this position? With this query, your interviewer(s) can clarify any sticking points, fill in gaps, or get more information on something that created doubt. If there is nothing further they need to know and you’ve gotten and given a good vibe throughout the interview, then the message that’s communicated is you are indeed the right/perfect fit for the position!

Another thing to remember is that the people you are talking to want to hire someone because they need help, and they would very much like it to be you so they can stop trying to hire and start getting on with the work they need done. Even if you traditionally suffer from interview panic, remind yourself that they want you to do well. They’re not sitting there waiting to pounce. (Or if they are, you probably don’t want to work for them anyway.). So relax, take a couple of deep breaths, and help them understand why you’re the one they want. Be positive, feel positive, and you’ll be fine. Even if you end up being #2, they might call you at a later point to see if you’re still interested.

Remember as much as they are interviewing you, and you need to be prepared to be the interviewer as well. It’s as important to discover if they are the right fit for you!

To make the best first impression in a job interview, focus on professional attire, maintain good body language, and demonstrate enthusiasm and confidence. Research the company beforehand, prepare thoughtful questions, and highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Show your interpersonal skills by actively listening and engaging with the interviewer. Following up with a thank-you email expressing appreciation for the opportunity reinforces your interest and professionalism.