During interviews, it is important to create an excellent first impression, which ensures you are memorable, and sets you apart from other candidates. This blog post outlines a structured approach which enables you to present yourself as a competent, confident, and compelling candidate.
Researching the Company and the Role
Thoroughly researching the company helps you to understand the organization’s mission, values, strategic objectives, and recent achievements. Incorporating these insights into your answers demonstrates your interest and suitability for the role. You can do this by reviewing the company website, press releases, annual reports, and social media presence.
In order to understand the role, review the job description/person specification and ensure your interview answers convey how your skills/experience/knowledge enable you to help the company to overcome the issues outlined in the job description.
You may wish to read these blog posts on how to sell yourself in interviews and how to prepare effectively for interviews
Communicate Confidence Through Body Language
Ideally, your body language should convey confidence, engagement, and professionalism, as this shapes the first impression and overall impression which the interviewer forms of you.
- Posture: Sit up straight, with your shoulders back, to convey confidence and attentiveness. Avoid slouching, which can suggest disinterest.
- Eye Contact: Maintain natural, consistent eye contact to demonstrate honesty, integrity and interest in the role.
- Gestures: Use controlled hand gestures to emphasize points without distracting the interviewer. Keep your hands relaxed, avoid wringing or clasping your hands together.
- Facial Expressions: A calm, pleasant expression communicates approachability. Subtle nods indicate active listening.
- Movement: Lean slightly forward to indicate interest, whilst respecting personal space.
Your appearance plays a large role in creating a professional first impression which lasts long after your interview. Ensure your interview outfit, footwear and accessories are neat and understated so they convey a professional impression.
Master the Art of Structured Storytelling
Mastering the STAR technique and providing your outstanding examples ensures your examples are clear, concise, and relevant to the interviewer.
- Situation: Outline the context.
- Task: Define your responsibility.
- Action: Describe the steps taken.
- Result: Highlight outcomes and measurable impact.
You may wish to read this blog post which explains how to use the STAR technique.
Ask Insightful Questions
Most interviewers ask candidates whether they have any questions towards the end of the interview. Asking some insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role as well as helping you to decide whether this is the right company and role for you. Many people benefit from preparing some questions in advance as this often prevents your mind going blank. This helps to create a positive first impression and ensures that you are a memorable candidate.
You may wish to read this blog post which outlines good questions to ask the interviewer
Improving your Interview Skills
You may wish to read some of my other blog articles for further advice on improving your interview skills.
I also offer interview coaching sessions, personally tailored to your needs. You may wish to visit the interview coaching section of my website, where you can find more information and prices. Or you are welcome to contact me, and I’ll be pleased to discuss how I can plan a session to help you.
