Here's how you can impress employers with your interview qualities.

To impress employers with your interview qualities, thoroughly research the company and role, display confidence without arrogance, communicate clearly and concisely, show active listening skills, demonstrate genuine interest in the position, highlight your problem-solving abilities, and maintain a professional demeanor throughout.

Very important to immerse yourself into the sector. For example, if the company is a consumer business, then I'd recommend visiting one of their stores to get a feel for them. Subscribe to Retail Gazette's newsletter or peruse their website to really understand what's going in the sector, e.g. the effect of macroeconomic & geopolitical events on their supply chain, profit announcements, M&A activity, C-Suite movement, opening of new sites etc.

In my experience, practicing eloquently before an interview is crucial. I found that rehearsing my responses to common questions helped me articulate my thoughts clearly and confidently. I also practiced explaining my achievements and skills in a concise and compelling manner. This preparation not only made me more comfortable during the interview but also allowed me to make a strong impression on the interviewer by effectively communicating my value.

It's also really vital to go with the flow, e.g. have some pre-set questions, but don't ask them for the sake of it. There may be some questions that pop into your head based on how the conversation has gone with the interviewer(s). Ask those instead!

This can be both work & recreationally focused. For a professional example, always quantify your impact with numbers, e.g. "the initiative I devised helped reduce the month end process from 5 days to 36 hours". That sounds a lot more impressive than "I delivered a project that helped the business achieve their goals". Another great example is extracurricular activity - have you been involved organising weekly workplace football, netball, tennis matches etc or helped to deliver a "lunch & learn" or charity event?

I make it a point to maintain a positive attitude and showcase my enthusiasm for the role and the company. By focusing on the positives of my previous experiences and highlighting how they prepared me for the new opportunity, I can create a compelling narrative. My upbeat demeanor often leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates my ability to stay motivated and optimistic, even in challenging situations.

Open body language & talking with your hands is crucial. Don't talk negatively about your current and previous employers too.

send a personalized (thank you) email or message to express my gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate my interest in the position. In the email, I mention specific points from the interview that resonated with me and how my skills align with the company’s needs. This follow-up not only shows my professionalism but also reinforces my enthusiasm for the role. It’s a small gesture that can make a significant impact on the interviewer’s perception of me.

Take control of the interview & ask questions throughout the process. Don't wait for the employer to ask "what questions do you have for us?". Interviews should be like a game of tennis, i.e. back & forth. It's equally as important for you to get an understanding of whether the business & culture will be right for you. Don't be subservient! ??