Nail the first 3 seconds
You only have a few seconds to make a lasting impression in an interview. According to CareerBuilder, 55% of hiring managers make a decision about a candidate within the first 3 seconds of meeting them. That’s why it’s crucial to make a positive impression from the moment you walk in the door.
Here are a few tips on how to make a lasting impression in an interview:
- Dress professionally.
First impressions matter, so make sure you dress professionally for your interview. This means wearing clean, pressed clothes that are appropriate for the job you’re applying for. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or too casual.
- Be on time.
Punctuality is important, so make sure you arrive for your interview on time. If you’re running late, call or email the interviewer to let them know.
- Be polite and respectful.
Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet during your interview, from the receptionist to the interviewer. This shows that you’re a respectful person who is interested in the job.
- Make eye contact.
Make eye contact with the interviewer when you’re speaking to them. This shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and interested in what they have to say.
- Be yourself.
Be yourself and don’t try to be someone you’re not. The interviewer will be able to tell if you’re being fake, and it will hurt your chances of getting the job.
- Ask questions.
At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer a few questions about the job or the company. This shows that you’re interested in the position and that you’re taking the interview seriously.
By following these tips, you can make a lasting impression in your interview and increase your chances of getting the job.
What to Do During the Interview
1. Be prepared.
Do your research on the company and the job you’re applying for. This will help you answer questions intelligently and show that you’re interested in the position.
2. Be confident.
Believe in yourself and your abilities. This will come across in your interview and make you more appealing to the interviewer.
3. Be enthusiastic.
Show the interviewer that you’re excited about the job and the company. This will make you more memorable and increase your chances of getting hired.
4. Be positive.
Stay positive throughout the interview, even if you’re nervous. No one wants to hire someone who is negative or pessimistic.
5. Be yourself.
Be yourself and don’t try to be someone you’re not. The interviewer will be able to tell if you’re being fake, and it will hurt your chances of getting the job.
What to Avoid During the Interview
1. Don’t be late.
Punctuality is important, so make sure you arrive for your interview on time. If you’re running late, call or email the interviewer to let them know.
2. Don’t dress inappropriately.
First impressions matter, so make sure you dress professionally for your interview. This means wearing clean, pressed clothes that are appropriate for the job you’re applying for. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or too casual.
3. Don’t be rude or disrespectful.
Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet during your interview, from the receptionist to the interviewer. This shows that you’re a respectful person who is interested in the job.
4. Don’t talk too much.
Let the interviewer do most of the talking. Answer questions thoughtfully and concisely, and don’t ramble on.
5. Don’t be negative.
Stay positive throughout the interview, even if you’re nervous. No one wants to hire someone who is negative or pessimistic.
1. Practice your answers to common interview questions.
This will help you feel more confident during the interview and give you a better chance of impressing the interviewer.
2. Bring a portfolio of your work.
If you have a portfolio of your work, bring it with you to the interview. This will give the interviewer a chance to see your skills and experience firsthand.
3. Follow up after the interview.
Send the interviewer a thank-you note after the interview. This is a great way to show your appreciation for their time and to reiterate your interest in the job.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making a lasting impression in your interview and getting the job you want.
1. How long should I prepare for an interview?
You should start preparing for an interview as soon as you know you have one. The more time you have to prepare, the better.
2. What should I wear to an interview?
You should dress professionally for an interview. This means wearing clean, pressed clothes that are appropriate for the job you’re applying for. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or too casual.
3. What should I bring to an interview?
You should bring a portfolio of your work, a copy of your resume, and a list of references to your interview.
4. What should I do if I’m nervous about an interview?
It’s normal to be nervous about an interview. Just remember to be yourself, be confident, and be positive.
5. What should I do if I don’t get the job?
If you don’t get the job, don’t be discouraged. Just keep trying and eventually you’ll find the right job for you.
6. How can I follow up after an interview?
You can follow up after an interview by sending the interviewer a thank-you note. This is a great way to show your appreciation for their time and to reiterate your interest in the job.
7. What should I do if I have an interview for a job that I’m not interested in?
If you have an interview for a job that you’re not interested in, you should still go to the interview. It’s a great way to practice your interviewing skills and get feedback on your resume and cover letter.
8. What should I do if I’m asked a question that I don’t know the answer to?
If you’re asked a question that you don’t know the answer to, be honest and tell the interviewer that you don’t know. Then, try to answer the question to the best of your ability.
Useful Tables
| Table 1: Interview Preparation Timeline |
|—|—|
| 2 weeks before the interview: Research the company and the job, practice your answers to common interview questions, and prepare a portfolio of your work. |
| 1 week before the interview: Finalize your outfit, prepare your questions for the interviewer, and confirm the time and location of the interview. |
| The day of the interview: Arrive on time, dress professionally, and be confident and enthusiastic. |
| Table 2: Common Interview Questions |
|—|—|
| Tell me about yourself. |
| Why are you interested in this job? |
| What are your strengths and weaknesses? |
| Why should we hire you? |
| What are your salary expectations? |
| Table 3: Interview Red Flags |
|—|—|
| The interviewer is late or doesn’t show up. |
| The interviewer is rude or disrespectful. |
| The interviewer doesn’t ask you any questions. |
| The interviewer doesn’t seem interested in your answers. |
| The interviewer offers you the job on the spot. |
| Table 4: Interview Follow-Up Timeline |
|—|—|
| Within 24 hours of the interview: Send the interviewer a thank-you note. |
| 1 week after the interview: Follow up with the interviewer to see if they have any questions or need any additional information. |
| 2 weeks after the interview: If you haven’t heard back from the interviewer, you can call or email them to check on the status of your application. |
