How To Nail Your First Impression in a Job Interview

Whether it’s a new job or you’re meeting someone for the first time – first impressions always matter. Making a good first impression in a job interview will help to separate you from the other candidates.

Check out our tips below to help get you one step closer to your new job!

Always arrive on time

Ensure you leave adequate time to find a car park and anything else you need to do to prepare for your meeting. Arriving on time shows that you respect their time.

What you wear is important

Do a bit of research on the place you’re interviewing at to see what type of attire is worn and what will be acceptable in an interview. The rule of thumb is to dress slightly more formal for an interview.

Be yourself!

Be yourself and honest from the start because you want to be hired as someone you are, not someone you’re pretending to be.

Smile

A warm and confident smile can help put you and the other person at ease and it’s one of the best forms of body language.

Use open body language

Besides a smile, other examples of good body language include:

• Making eye contact with the person who is speaking
• Try not to fidget
• Sit straight in your chair
• Nod your head as you listen
• Use your manners

Good manners will leave a lasting impression, simple things such as the below will go a long way.

• Saying please and thank you where necessary
• Excusing yourself if you need to leave the room
• Using ‘pardon’ or ‘sorry’ if you mishear a question
• Covering your mouth if you need to cough or sneeze
• Be attentive

Being attentive to the person who’s talking shows you’re interested and willing to know more.

Where you can, add your opinion to the conversation or ask questions related to the topic to demonstrate you understand what’s being said.

Ask questions

Asking questions will impress a potential employer and shows that you’re interested in the role and the company. It’s also a chance to impress them with the research you’ve done on the business and the role itself.