How to make a great impression in your job interview.

How to Make a Great Impression in Your Interview?

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When your Gramerci consultant calls you to say you have been selected for interview, it’s a major achievement and may be one of the most satisfying messages you will receive in your professional life. You’ve already moved ahead of potentially hundreds of other highly suitable candidates, so that’s already a major achievement.?But, after the elation has worn off, there are some things to consider. In most hiring situations you are not the only candidate interviewing for the job as the employer will want to have some options open to them, yet realises we will only be inviting the very top tier for an interview - so you'll be competing against similar candidates all of whom are also interested in the position. In usual cases there will between three and five other shortlisted candidates you’ll be competing with.

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Your goal of course is to win over the employer and to convince the panel that you are the best candidate for the job.

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And that process begins with making a great first impression at the job interview. How do you make sure you make a great first impression? Well, at the end of the day it’s your eminent suitability for the role that will win the day, but the panellists are human and therefore not entirely objective all the time, and can be subconsciously swayed by your attitude, your responses, your demeanour and your confidence. Never underestimate the importance of making a favourable first impression. You may well be in a senior position at your existing organisation, but never let hubris rule your head. Your resume and the fact you have been put forward by Gramerci will get you so far, but don’t be overconfident. Eye contact, a firm handshake, conservative rather than fashionable clothes, good posture and a smile all count in your favour. Don't leave the first few seconds to chance. Ask a friend to assess the impression you make, which is ideally one of poise and polish rather than visible anxiety or over-confidence. Don't neglect your exit either. You might be relieved that it's all over, but remember professional courtesies and end positively with thanks and a handshake. ?

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Before you even set foot in the interview, you need to be meticulously prepared. Do your homework. A lack of preparedness will be obvious when you don’t know much about the company you’re interviewing with. Prepare beforehand and find out how many employees work there, when it was founded, what the company’s mission statement is and how the company is growing. You may also want to connect with current employees or leaders on LinkedIn and see what they enjoy about their jobs. LinkedIn is also a great way to learn more about the people interviewing you and get a feel for their skillsets and personalities.

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Next, turn your strengths into skill statements. Think about how you can use your skills and experience to benefit the employer, and come up with specific examples you can mention in the interview. These skill statements can also help you answer questions about why you should be hired or what makes you the best candidate for the job. Remember to always be looking at ways at how your skills help the potential employer.

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Be ready for questions that seem like they’re designed to trip you up. Many interviewers will ask you about your flaws to see how you respond under pressure and find out how you’ve reacted to negative situations in the past.

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Remember, while most interviews - and job offers - are decided within the actual interview itself - failing to make a good first impression can doom your chances so that you are spending the entire job interview just trying to correct misconceptions caused by earlier mistakes - and in many cases there are just too many better prepared candidates who made the right impressions from the start.

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By following these tips you will be well on your way to making that crucial first impression with your potentially next employer.