Top 21 Interview Tips to Make a Great First Impression During Your Job Interview

Ben Broch

Aug 8, 2024

5

mins

Interview Tips

3 Key Takeaways

Have a Strong Introduction: A strong introduction can help create a good first impression.

Tell Your Worth: Highlight your skills, achievements, and ability to contribute to the company.

Answer Questions Confidently: Practice questions in advance to handle interview questions positively.

Before your interview, it’s crucial to understand that preparation goes beyond just reviewing your resume. The more you equip yourself with effective strategies and practical insights, the more confidently you’ll handle every stage of the process—from initial contact to final follow-up.

Unlock the secrets to a successful interview by following these proven tips.
Detailed guidance is provided below for each stage of the interview process.

Continue reading to learn the following essential interview tips (detailed instructions below):

Before the Interview (7 tips)

  1. Research the Company and Role
    Understand the organization’s mission, culture, products/services, and the specifics of the job description.

  2. Prepare Your Success Stories
    Use methods like the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your examples.

  3. Know Your Resume Inside Out
    Be ready to discuss your experiences, achievements, and how they relate to the role.

  4. Plan Your Attire
    Choose professional clothing that matches the company’s culture.

  5. Logistical Planning
    Confirm the interview location or virtual setup and plan to arrive on time.

  6. Develop Thoughtful Questions
    Prepare questions to ask about the company, team, and expectations.

  7. Practice Your Responses
    Rehearse common interview questions and refine your delivery to build confidence.

During the Interview (10 tips)

  1. Make a Strong First Impression
    Offer a confident greeting, smile, and use a firm handshake (or an appropriate virtual greeting).

  2. Communicate Clearly and Confidently
    Speak succinctly, maintain clarity, and stay focused on your key points.

  3. Listen Actively
    Engage with the interviewer by listening carefully and responding meaningfully.

  4. Apply the STAR Method Effectively
    Structure your responses to behavioral questions using concrete examples.

  5. Showcase Your Soft Skills
    Demonstrate traits such as teamwork, adaptability, and problem solving.

  6. Be Authentic
    Let your true personality come through while remaining professional.

  7. Keep Your Nerves in Check
    Manage anxiety through breathing techniques and staying calm.

  8. Engage with Clarifying Questions
    Ask for clarification whenever needed to ensure you understand the question.

  9. Demonstrate Positive Body Language
    Maintain eye contact, a relaxed posture, and appropriate facial expressions.

  10. Address Challenges Constructively
    When discussing weaknesses or challenges, focus on how you’re working to overcome them.

After the Interview (4 tips)

  1. Ask Your Final Questions Thoughtfully
    Seek further insights into the role or next steps before concluding.

  2. Send a Prompt Thank-You Note
    Follow up with a personalized message expressing your appreciation.

  3. Reflect on Your Performance
    Take time to evaluate your interview, noting what worked well and what could be improved.

  4. Follow Up Professionally
    Check in regarding your application status and reiterate your interest without applying pressure.

Interview Tips

Image Source: Pexels

1. Dress Appropriately

Your first impression in an interview starts before you even speak. Wearing professional attire that matches the company culture is essential. A well-fitted suit or smart casual wear is a safe choice.

Interview Tips: For the dress code, you can explore people on LinkedIn in the same company.

2. Arrive Early

Reaching there 10-15 minutes before your interview is an opportunity to make a first impression on your interviewer. It will also help you get settled for the interview.

Interview First Impression Tip: Being late can ruin your first impression. Plan your route or test your tech setup in advance.

3. Research the Company

A good understanding of the company will help the interviewer to understand your strong interest in the company and you are a good fit for the company. Thoroughly study their values, mission, and past developments. This work will help prepare your response to resonate with the company’s objective.

Making a Good First Impression in a Job Interview Tip: Look for the site’s social media pages, worker reviews, etc.

4. Prepare Well for the Common Interview Questions

“Tell me about yourself” is the most expected question in any interview. Create a good introduction showing your background achievements and your interest in the job role. Keep it professional but be honest with your answer.

Interview Tips: Keep practicing your answer to keep it looking natural.

5. Put on a Smile and Stay Confident

A real smile can do wonders to create a warm and welcoming mood. A good attitude is catching and can help break the ice at first. It makes you seem eager and interested.

Interview Tips: Let your smile come, without forcing it. A relaxed and real smile works better.

6. Show Confident Body Language

Your body language has a big impact on how others see you. Keep your back straight, don’t cross your arms, and use open-hand movements. Look people in the eye, but don’t stare them down. Nod now and then to show you’re listening and interested.

Interview Tips: Check your posture and movements in a mirror or film yourself to make your body language better.

7. Use the STAR Method to Answer Questions

When you answer behavioral questions, utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to give the best responses. This will help you convince the employer about your previous achievements.

Interview Tips: Get ready with several STAR stories relating to the job description. This will showcase your relevant skills and experiences.

8. Show Your Uniqueness

You need to stand out from the crowd. It might be a remarkable talent, a major accomplishment, or a distinctive mindset. Show why you’re the top candidate for the position.

Interview Tips: Adjust your special qualities to match what the company cares about and needs.

9. Ask Smart Questions

Interviews work both ways. Get ready with a few smart questions to ask. This shows you’re interested and have researched the company. Do not ask questions having answers on their website.

Examples:

  • What’s the company culture like?

  • How do you measure success in this job?

  • How does the company support employees’ growth?

10. Keep a Positive Attitude

Stay positive throughout the interview. Even if you failed in the past, convey it as a learning experience. Don’t badmouth old bosses or coworkers.

Interview Tips: Practice putting a positive spin on your answers even in tough situations.

11. Give Clear and Brief Answers

It’s crucial to be thorough, but don’t go on and on. Make your answers focused and straight to the point. Short and clear responses help keep the interviewer interested and show off your communication skills.

Interview Tips: Work on your answers to common questions so you can give them and .

12. Show You’re Listening Carefully

Prove you’re involved by nodding looking the interviewer in the eye, and responding in the right way. Listening shows respect and interest in the talk.

13. Show Your Enthusiasm

Show how much you love the job and the company. When you’re pumped up, it can sway people and prove you’re in the position.

Interview Tips: Talk positively and tell them why this chance gets you fired up and how it fits with your career.

14. Be Real

Presenting your true personality can help you resonate with the interviewer. Don’t fake your personality and be natural

Interview Tips: Show that you are unique.

15. Show Off Your People Skills

Put your people skills on display. Teamwork talking to others, and fixing problems matter just as much as know-how. These can make you stand out from the crowd.

Interview Tips: Give real examples of how you’ve used these skills in your old jobs.

16. Stay Calm in a Sweating Situation

Staying calm in sweating situations can really help you crack the interview. Be positive throughout the interview and take a deep breath to release sweating.

Interview Tips: Get ready and practice lots so you feel sure of yourself. This can help you feel less stressed.

17. Send a Quick Thank-You Email

Write a personal thank-you email within a day of your interview. Include a specific detail from your talk to jog their memory about your chat and stress your excitement again.

Interview Tips: Make the email short and genuine. Show appreciation for their time and tell them you’re still interested in the job.

18. Ask About What Comes Next

Before you go, find out about the next parts of the hiring process. This proves you’re keen on the job and helps you know what to expect.

Interview Tips: Ask, like this: “Would you mind telling me what happens next in the process?”

19. First Impression Interview Questions

  1. Can you describe yourself in three words?

  2. What’s the first thing people usually notice about you?

  3. How do you typically introduce yourself in a professional setting?

  4. Tell me about a time you made a great first impression.

  5. What do you think makes a strong first impression in an interview?

  6. How do you handle meeting new people in unfamiliar environments?

  7. If you could change one thing about how people perceive you initially, what would it be?

  8. How do you ensure your first interaction with a client or colleague is positive?

  9. What role do body language and tone of voice play in making a first impression?

  10. How would a friend or former colleague describe their first impression of you?

20. End on a Good Note

Finish strong. Thank the interviewer for their time and show your excitement for the job again. A confident and positive ending can stick in their mind.

Interview Tips: Sum up why you’re excited about the opportunity and why you think you’re a perfect match for the job.

21. Look Back and Get Better

Your first impression in an interview can make or break your chances. Use these interview tips to make a great first impression, show confidence, and stand out as the ideal candidate.

By preparing well, staying calm, and being yourself, you’ll leave a strong first impression that increases your chances of landing the job.

Using these top interview tips, you’ll make a great first impression and show you’re the perfect fit for the job. Being prepared, confident, and true to yourself are your best friends for getting that job offer. Best of luck!

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Interview Prep

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Real-Time Interview Assistance

Activate your ultimate sidekick in your interview browser for real-time interview guidance.

Question Bank

Browse through 10,000+ interview questions so that you can know what to expect in your upcoming interview.

Turn

failed interviews

into

offers accepted

with Interview Sidekick

Get Started

Interview Prep

Prepare for job interviews with real questions asked at real companies.

Real-Time Interview Assistance

Activate your ultimate sidekick in your interview browser for real-time interview guidance.

Question Bank

Browse through 10,000+ interview questions so that you can know what to expect in your upcoming interview.

Turn

failed interviews

into

offers accepted

with Interview Sidekick

Get Started

Interview Prep

Prepare for job interviews with

real questions asked at

real companies.

Real-Time Interview Assistance

Activate your ultimate sidekick in

your interview browser for

real-time interview guidance.

Question Bank

Browse through 10,000+ interview

questions so that you can know

what to expect in your

upcoming interview.