Most everyone knows the “must do’s” in order to make a good impression in a job interview—firm handshake, good eye contact, appropriate attire, knowledge of the company, positive attitude, etc. But there are a few often forgotten about details that you should remember in order to assure that you make a lasting and positive impression in your job interview.
Arrive no more than 5-10 minutes early
It’s obvious that you will make a bad impression if you are late to your interview, but do you know that if you are too early, this can work against you as well? By showing up more than 10 minutes early for a job interview, you have just put stress on your interviewer. Think of the last time you had a party and a guest showed up 30 minutes early. You probably felt extra pressure to finish up your last minute tasks. And not only did you feel stressed out but probably also a little annoyed at your guest for landing in your living room before you were ready for them.
Don’t start off on a bad note by aggravating your interviewer. Get to your destination with plenty of time to spare but sit in your car down the block or at a local coffee shop until you can report in to your interview no more than 5-10 minutes early.
Aside from annoying your interviewer, keep in mind that when you show up too early for your interview you are telling your prospective employer in an indirect way that you cannot follow simple instructions. Definitely not the first impression you want to make.
Chat up the gatekeeper
Never assume that the only person you need to impress is the one with whom you are interviewing. Many companies train their front desk staff to “size up” candidates and report their observations. If you can’t be pleasant and polite to the receptionist, it will be made known and you have just blown your first impression.
Always introduce yourself to the receptionist, tell them who you are, and why you are there. This much is obvious. But go beyond the basics. If they do not have a name placard, ask for their name and make a little small talk with them. Keep it very casual and light. Caveat: if they have a lot of foot traffic at their desk or a busy phone line let them tend to that!
Be sure that on your way out after your interview, you bid them a good rest of the day by name.
Put away your cell phone
There is no faster way to turn off your interviewer than to be preoccupied with your cell phone. Turn off your notifications and put the phone away. Please! And never take any phone calls when you are sitting in the lobby waiting. Remember, the gatekeeper is watching…and listening!
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Know that the goal of the interviewer is to say “yes”
Hiring managers/interviewers are extremely busy and there aren’t many things more time consuming than screening and interviewing candidates. If you are feeling nervous about your job interview, remember that they want this to work out as much as you do. In essence, they are rooting for you! So make their job easier by demonstrating that you are the one that can solve their problems. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them.
Prior to the interview you should have done the research needed in order to identify what the problems of the hiring manager are. Be sure to read between the lines on the job posting. Don’t just focus on the job duties, but consider what type of personality, soft skills, strengths, etc. are needed in order for one to be successful in the position. Once you are clear on the needs of your hiring manager, bridge your skills and attributes to the position as you answer their questions.
Remember, they want to fill the position as quickly as possible so focus on their needs and pain points and demonstrate how you are the one who can solve their problems. Make the interviewer’s day by getting them to their “yes”.
Be a human, not a robot
The best job interviews are those in which both parties connect on an interpersonal level. Companies are looking as much at a candidate’s social game as what is on their resume. With the amount of interaction going on in the course of a day, the company wants someone who can work well and connect with individuals at all levels.
It is highly likely that the person interviewing you will be your manager. So don’t just be a robot in your interview. They want to hire someone who they personally like and will get along with. So forget about using buzzwords, trying to impress with industry lingo, or looking smarter than you are. Just be human and connect with them on that level.
Don’t forget your follow up thank you
Surprisingly, many do not do this, so when you do, it will make you stand out among the other candidates. After the interview, sometime that same day, send a quick email to your interviewer. Be sure to mention a point or two from the interview, express your interest in the position and again, bridge your skills to the position and remind them how you can solve their problems. If you want extra credit, send them a handwritten note in lieu of an email.
Your job interview need not be a nerve racking and dreaded experience. Incorporate the 6 tips above and you will be well ahead of your competition. Go get it!
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