Make A Great First Impression At Your Next Job Interview

Every job requires a job interview. If your resume and cover letter land you a job interview, congratulations! The job interview is your ticket to getting hired. Are you ready?

Job interviews are two way conversations between you and the company. You have to sell yourself and they have to sell the company and the job. It’s kind of like a first date – is this a relationship you really want to have?

Find More Job Interview Tips

Typically, if you’ve made it to the interview round, you’re keen to get the job. You’ve put in the time to find the job listing, write a resume, customize a cover letter, line up your references, and send in a job application. The job interview is your chance to seal the deal.

Don’t let the pressure and the job interview jitters get the best of you. Use these 13 simple tips to make a great first impression at your next job interview:

1. Do Your Research – You need to be prepared for a job interview. Know about the job, practice interview questions, and read up about the company. Know your facts so you can impress those crafty interviewers. Here are a few more things you need to know before you go.
2. Be On Time – If you’re not early, you’re late. Plan to be on time at all costs.
3. Dress Appropriately – People notice what you wear. Dress the part. If you need a suit and tie, wear one. Tuck in your shirt. Wear the right clothes for the job. Look professional.
4. Smile – Smiling shows that you’re keen and happy. Everyone needs to smile more; especially at job interviews. Find out why smiling will land you a job.
5. Turn Your Phone Off – Set your phone to silent. Or better yet, turn it off. Whatever happens, don’t answer it and don’t let an annoying ring or chime interrupt your interview.
6. Give A Solid Handshake – Handshakes can tell someone a lot about you. Here’s how to give a proper and professional handshake.
7. Take Notes – Bring a pen and pad and take notes on what the recruiter says that is important. It will show you are interested, paying attention, and are detail oriented.
8. Listen – People underestimate the value of listening. Listen more and see how much you absorb.
9. Bring Your Resume – Always bring a hard copy of your resume. It will show that you are prepared and organized. Leave a copy with the recruiter.
10. Mind Your Body Language – Your body says things your mouth would never say. Be mindful of what your hands, feet, legs, face, and other body parts are doing during the interview.
11. Ask Questions – Prepare questions before you go to the job interview. Always ask a relevant question at the end of the job interview to show you want to learn more. Here are a few example questions you can ask.
12. Have A Story – Wrack your brain for a memorable and applicable story. Use this story to answer one of the standard interview questions, like “Tell me about yourself.” Craft it so that it’s intriguing and leaves the recruiter wanting to learn more about you.
13. Write A Thank You Note – It’s a great idea to send a hand written thank you note to your interviewer thanking them for their time.

Do all of these things and you’ll be one step closer to being employed. Are you ready to make a great first impression at your next job interview?