How to Make a Lasting Impression: Prepping for an Interview
It can be hard getting a job, for many reasons both personal and practical. One of the most common stumbling points being the big day, the interview.
Well, worry not! If you want some helpful tips and advice for an upcoming interview, then you’re in the right place. This blog will give you tips on how to make a good impression in your interview and leave a lasting impact.
Find out where and when the interview is way ahead of time, giving yourself plenty of time to prepare
This sounds simple, but it can really trip you up if you don’t plan out in advance. Figure out how long it takes you to travel to the interview, and factor that in on the day, keep an ear open for potential problems like closed roads and public service disruptions. If you can find the time, visit the interview site in advance to get a good feel of the place.
All of this will help with making sure you’re in the right place at the right time for your interview.
Pay attention to the questions getting asked
During the interview, it’s important that you listen closely and carefully. The person interviewing you will be asking questions and trying to figure out if you’re right for the job. By listening fully to the question, you should then be able to give a detailed answer to their specific question. Don’t make the mistake of only hearing half the question and then not answering what has been asked of you.
Practice your answers to some common interview questions
Speaking of questions, the interview will have a fair few of them. Generally, they’ll be about the job you’re applying for, the relevant skills, and a few personal questions to get to know you a bit more.
You can’t predict exactly what they’ll ask, but it doesn’t hurt to run through some common questions beforehand. Think about how you’d answer some basic questions, like why you want to apply to the job, how you found out about the position and what skills you bring to the table.
Make sure you look the part
Diligence, organisation and reliability, these are things all interviewers are looking for. It’s one thing to say you have these traits, but during the interview be sure to act with these traits as well. Avoid looking messy, distracted or disinterested if you want to make the right first impression.
In a competitive job market, you want to stand out from other applicants for all the right reasons. Your clothes can make a significant impression and it’s a powerful way to mark yourself as memorable and a cut above the rest. And don’t forget that there are lots of organisations who can support you with having some great interview gear to wear.
Follow-up to show your eagerness
Finally, remember to follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email. This shows that you appreciate the opportunity and are still interested in the position.
Going for an interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can make a great impression on your potential employer. One of the most important things to remember is to stay calm. With these tips in mind, you can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing the job. Good luck!
