Here's How to Make a Great First Impression

Having good manners helps make a man into a gentleman and a woman into a lady. To gain respect and appreciation from others, one must behave well in public. The same goes for acting well during an interview.

A job interview is nothing more than an interaction between an employer and a potential candidate where the employer attempts to assess the candidate based on a variety of factors for potential employment in the organization. And the candidate checks to see if the organization is a perfect match for him/her.

Many factors can make you feel unmotivated during an interview. Your job search may be frustrating, or you may not believe the job for which you are interviewing is a good fit.?

You may have just had a bad morning or may be feeling down because you fear not getting hired. It can be challenging to stay positive during an interview.

Even if you feel negative on the day of your interview, it is important not to let it show. It helps to have a positive, friendly attitude when it comes to impressing an employer.

So we’ve got tips for showing a positive attitude in an interview, even if the truth is you don't really feel that way.

Make a Great First Impression

Before the Interview

1- Dress to Impress?

It is mandatory to wear formal clothing when walking to an interview. Clothing speaks volumes about your personality.

It is still a good idea to dress up for an online interview. After all, a good appearance makes you feel good.

Here's a tip: Having a positive image of yourself will help you to convey a confident attitude to the employer.

2- Do your Research

Examine the company's portfolio, services/products, clients, competitors, etc. before the interview. You will be able to better understand and discuss the company's needs. The more you know about the company, the better your chances are of succeeding in the interview.?

Here’s a tip: You can confirm your knowledge of the company's culture before appearing in the interview just for yourself.?

During the Interview

3- Non-verbal/ Verbal Communication

Be sure to smile.

You should stand straight (or sit straight) with your shoulders back, and look your employer in the eye. This will give you a confident appearance even before you speak. If your interview is online, practice sitting up straight in your chair and checking your appearance before your interview.

As the interviewer speaks, look him in the eye, ask clarifying questions, and rephrase what he says to ensure understanding ("So, what you're saying is... ").

It is best not to emphasize your inadequacies during an interview, emphasize your interest and enthusiasm in learning something new.

4- Answer the Questions Politely

You should listen carefully to the questions of the employer and answer them politely. Rather than absurdly explaining your answers, give relatable examples. Let your opinion and experience shine through.?

5- Don’t Be Dishonest

Work experience, qualifications, certifications, and performance should not be lied about. Dishonesty can cause you trouble at work. Be professional and answer the questions honestly.

Responsibilities of The Interviewer

6- Comfort the Interviewee

Allow your interviewee to feel comfortable during the entire interview process. Rather than making them confused, he/she should be relaxed and able to ask any questions you demand.

7- Act Formally

Interviewers are believed not to engage in friendly behavior with candidates. Therefore, they should act professionally.

8- Make realistic commitments

Make sure that you have the authority to fulfill any promises you make to an interviewee. False commitments can damage the reputation of the company.?

For example

When you raise the hopes of a job applicant for a particular position, hire them rather than making the situation worse by declining them.

Don't commit to anything that doesn't sound fulfilling.

9- Don’t reveal confidential information

During an interview, do not reveal any personal information about an interviewee to any of the respondents. Also, it is expected not to ask for any confidential information about their current employer.

In a Nutshell

Examine all the salient aspects of an interview and remember that there's no set formula for an interview like in other communication processes. As every individual is unpredictable, you need to analyze the situation and personality before responding.