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A CV with plenty of relevant experience, and glowing references are all necessary when you’re applying for jobs, but they’re far from everything you’ll need to impress your interviewer.
The way you present and carry yourself sets the tone for the entire interview whether it is in person or online and will help set you apart from the other candidates. Here are our tips to help you make a great first impression and feel more confident for your interview.
Before the interview, take some time to do research on the company and the role you are interviewing for. This will help you understand what is expected of you as an employee and how to make sure your introductions fit with the company culture.
John Marx, Director of Halliday Marx says “There is a wealth of information available to you at your fingertips, so you would be foolish to not use it. There is no excuse to not do research before an interview. Know the website inside out and look at any online press to give you a better understanding. Clearly, you should also research their accounts from Companies House as well.”
Part of the preparation for your interview should be to have a good understanding of the job specification. You should also be able to discuss your previous experience and how it is relevant to the role you are interviewing for. Answering the following questions will help you to link your current experience to the role; What are your transferable skills?, What are the soft skills that the role is calling for and how can you show them?, Which skills can you develop to be a better fit for the role?
It should go without saying, but a huge contributing factor to your first impression is whether you’re on time for an interview. Punctuality shows courtesy and enthusiasm, and if the choice is down to you or an equally qualified candidate who showed up 15 minutes late to their interview, the decision becomes much easier.
Leave for the interview earlier than you think you should even if there’s only the remote possibility that traffic/transport could be bad, or you get lost at the last minute. You can always find a coffee shop nearby to calm your nerves and while away the time to look over your interview notes. The last thing you need is to arrive flustered and sweating because you are running late…But be certain to not arrive at the interview more than 15 minutes early.
This goes the same for online interviews – if you are struggling to log into the room and you turn up 5 minutes late and flustered, or you’re daydreaming when the interviewer logs on it does not garner the best first impression.
Director of Halliday Marx, John Marx says “Just because there is no commute time doesn’t mean you should leave online interviews to chance. Make sure your area is set up with your notes and research to hand and test the link beforehand. Try logging on 5 or 10 minutes before the interview to ensure your camera works, your sound works, and the lighting and bakground looks good.”
Body language is also extremely important in how you present yourself and communicate with others. Some body language tips are no-brainers, such as no chewing gum or staring out of the window, but others can be more subtle.
For starters, remember to smile and remember to make eye contact (as much as you naturally can). Staring without blinking is not the answer. If you have multiple interviewers, address the one asking you the questions but remember to look at and engage with the others as well.
When you take a seat, make it a point to sit facing your interviewers and sit up straight, but try to be comfortable too. Avoid bobbing your knee, tapping a pen, and biting your fingernails as fidgeting tends to give off anxious vibes. Stay as calm and collected as you can and strike the balance of being not too serious and not too chatty.
A few other tips would include not putting your elbows on the table or crossing your arms. These types of body language can be perceived as quite negative or “closed off”. Putting your hands in your lap can work well, or if you are the sort of person who “talks with their hands” you can place them together on the table giving you a more natural place to gesture from.
Interviews are your opportunity to assess how you would fit into the company whilst they are assessing you. It doesn’t harm your chances to compliment the company as long as they aren’t forced. Your earlier research and the questions you have asked will inevitably give you the details you need to give at least two authentic compliments that can help you leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.
At Halliday Marx, we know how important making a great impression at your interview can be when making the next step in your career, if you would like any more advice on applying for your next role please contact us on 020 7096 8200 or email us at [email protected]
For the latest financial opportunities, company updates, recruitment information and career advice follow us on LinkedIn @HallidayMarx
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