Landing an interview is a big win for many. And why shouldn’t it be? Only 20% of all the applicants are offered an interview, making it worth putting all the time and effort to ensure a good and lasting impression on the interviewer. One thing that goes without saying is to ace an interview.
A candidate needs to ensure they are fully prepared for the interview. Showing up for an interview without preparing is like going to a battlefield without firearms. Regardless of how good candidates are, if they are not prepared, a less experienced candidate with good preparation and the right approach will win the position.
Who wants to take those chances? No one, right? Therefore, preparing beforehand is imperative to feel in control, have a good idea of what can be asked in the interview, and feel relaxed, calm, and collected.
However, the ugly truth is that job interviews can be pretty nerve-racking, and acing an interview isn’t that simple. Don’t worry; this article will share ten ways to impress any interviewer in a professional interview! Keep reading to learn more.
1. Extensive Internal And External Research Is A Must
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Business students’ efficient research skills during their General Master of Business Administration Degree may come in handy here. Researching about the company and the interviewers to understand essential information about the firm is the key to acquiring a good position.
An individual must visit the company’s website, recent press releases, and social media posts to have a solid understanding of its goals and understand how they can be an excellent fit for the organization.
2. Practice Answers To Common Questions
An individual must prepare their answers to common interview questions in advance. Almost all interviewers ask candidates to say a few words about themselves or share why they want to work in this company.
Candidates must have a well-rehearsed answer prepared for these common questions. The idea is to prepare a personal elevator pitch to quickly communicate who a person is and what value they will bring to the company.
3. Prepare Smart Questions For The Interviewer
Interviews need to be two-way communication, which is why employers expect candidates to ask questions. Asking good questions during the interview provides an excellent opportunity for candidates to convey that they are serious about the position and reflects their interest in the role. Some of the questions that candidates can ask an interviewer are.
- What are this position’s day-to-day responsibilities?
- What characteristics may help an individual succeed in this role?
- How does the company measure job performance?
- What departments does this position interact with regularly?
- How do these departments typically collaborate?
- What challenges would someone in this position have to face?
4. Dress To Impress
When it comes to interviews, first impressions might be the only impression a candidate must worry about because the way candidates dress, act, and walk through the door account for 55% of the impact.
Dressing nicely and appropriately not only makes a great opening impression but speaks volumes about the candidate’s personality. It also plays a decisive factor in determining whether there will be a second meeting or not. Checking with the recruiter for appropriate dress guidance can also set a candidate apart from the crowd.
Usually, a professional look such as a suit with a shirt and a tie for men, and a dress or blouse with smart trousers for women, is advisable. A suitable attire also plays a significant role in helping candidates feel more comfortable, happy, and confident during the interview.
5. Plan The Arrival Time Well
Unless a candidate is stuck in an unavoidable emergency, they must not be late for an interview. Even if they are caught up in a situation, they must call ahead and inform the company, so the interviewers can alter their plan accordingly instead of waiting around.
A good practice followed by an ideal candidate is to arrive at least 10 minutes early, compose themselves, and get used to the surroundings.
6. Impress Everyone, Not Just The Interviewer
Employers often take feedback from different people in the company who interact with candidates, such as security guards, front desk officers, etc., to gauge the candidates’ personalities.
Candidates who treat everyone nicely and respectfully earn brownie points for good communication and increase their chances to secure the position.
7. Body Language And Good Manners Are The Key
According to a survey by Undercover Recruiter, 67% of hiring managers rejected candidates that failed to maintain eye contact. This fact emphasizes that confident body language such as standing tall with shoulders back, maintaining good eye contact, and smiling impacts an interviewer’s judgment.
Therefore, practicing confidence, managing anxiety through controlled breathing patterns, and employing welcoming behavior can increase a candidate’s chances of success in the interview.
8. Respond Truthfully At All Times
Regardless of how tempting it might be to flaunt or disrespect, being refreshingly honest, respectful, and humble is something candidates strongly consider.
In most cases, interviewers are experienced individuals, and it is not hard for them to identify candidates who make things up. Candidates should be truthful in all their answers as it can sometimes set them apart from the crowd.
9. Never Complain About Old Employers
Speaking negatively about the previous job, manager, employer, or colleagues reflects a bad image. Bad-mouthing makes the interviewers assume that the candidate would speak negatively about them the same way one day.
10. Always Appreciate The Power Of Follow-Up
After the interview, interviewers typically follow up with a candidate to gain feedback or share feedback. If not, candidates must never forget to follow up – everything works, from asking about the next steps during the interview to sending a personalized thank you for your time card.
Doing so can help individuals gain valuable feedback that they can use for future interview preparations.
Conclusion
Interviewers can judge a candidate’s level of preparedness in the first fifteen minutes of the conversation. It explains why most candidates are rejected in the first quarter of the interview session. Since people don’t get second chances to interview for their dream company, they must prepare well to make a great first impression.
When individuals are well trained for a task, they carry an impressive aura and complete their task with an unexplainable charm. Interviewers long to see a candidate walk into their office with that confidence and calmness. Therefore, candidates must continually prepare for an interview and learn from their failed attempts.
