First Impressions Matter: What to Do During an Interview

Intro

The first minute of an interview carries substantial weight, as it forms the recruiter’s initial impression of the candidate. As such, job seekers must meticulously prepare for interviews and be mindful of the signals they convey through body language, gestures, and demeanor. Adequate preparation significantly enhances the likelihood of getting the job.

Recruiters should remember that first impressions can be biased and superficial. To avoid such mistakes, HR departments should coordinate their work with the managers of all company departments and ideally possess knowledge of psychology and sociology.

Making Positive Experience Last: Step-by-step Guide

Learn more about the position and the company

Start by familiarizing yourself with the current job posting, paying attention to the knowledge and personal qualities you should possess. Also, read about the company to get an idea of what it’s like to work there and what you can bring to the business. 

What are their goals and visions? What is the work culture like? What is their purpose? How is the organization structured? Getting to know more about the company before the interview shows that you are interested in the job. It will also help you gather ideas on some information you want to specify during an interview, showing that you did your homework —  the hiring team will definitely appreciate such an approach. 

Prepare answers to interview questions

The interview is an opportunity for you to learn more about the vacancy and show the recruiter why you’re the right person for the job. In addition to reading about the position and the company. It’s also a good idea to think of answers to some potential questions a recruiter may have. Here are a few examples of questions recruiter may ask: 

• Can you introduce yourself and provide an overview of your professional background?
• What initially attracted you to apply for this position at our company?
• Could you describe your experience and accomplishments relevant to this role?
• How would you handle [specific scenario or challenge related to the role]?
• What do you know about our company and our products/services?
• How do you approach collaborating with team members or working in a team environment?
• Can you share an example of a project or task you successfully completed in your previous role?

Dress appropriately for the interview

You know that people meet you by appearance and see you off by mind. You don’t need anything extra, just make sure you wear comfortable clothes that don’t distract anyone’s attention from the conversation. Check in advance if the company has a dress code and, if so, follow it during the interview.

Be on time

Being late without a valid reason can be perceived by the recruiter as disorganization and disrespect on your part. Make sure to let a recruiter know if you’re running late.

Behave and speak confidently

Confidence during an interview can convince the recruiter that you are competent and possess needed professional skills to fill the position you are applying for. Strengthen your candidacy by providing concrete examples and experiences from your previous work that substantiate the claims made in your resume and job application. Demonstrating your interviewing skills, backed by relevant experiences, will reinforce your qualifications and leave a lasting positive impression on the recruiter. 

Show your interest

Ask questions related to the position and company — this will help you make a positive impression on the interviewer and demonstrate your interest. Here are some ideas on questions you may have: 

• Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
• How does this position align with the company’s long-term goals and vision?
• What are the key challenges currently faced by the team or department, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?
• How would you describe the company culture and work environment?
• Can you tell me more about the opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization?

Check your connection

Since most interviews nowadays are conducted online, you should check if everything’s working in advance. Check the availability and stability of the internet, light, functioning of the webcam and microphone, and the battery charge of the laptop. If you have a desktop PC, check that all cables are connected. 

Wrapping up

In the high-stakes world of job interviews, first impressions leave an indelible mark on both candidates and interviewers. Demonstrating confidence, professionalism, and a genuine interest in the company can significantly impact the outcome. As candidates, it is crucial to recognize the significance of these initial moments and invest time in thorough preparation. By diligently preparing for an interview, you not only present your best self but also showcase your dedication and commitment to the position, increasing your chances of securing the job opportunity.