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10 commandments for a good impression on your job interview

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10 commandments for a good impression on your job interview.
You will never get a second chance to make a first impression. So it needs to be good, obviously. But it does not stop at that first impression. Your interviewer will be watching and interrogating you the whole conversation. And even after that, if you get the job, your boss’ impression matters. But let us start at that first interview. What are the 10 commandments you should definitely pay attention to

  1. Be on time

Being on time is the very first impression you make. If you are late, you cannot do it over again. So be smart and arrive 15 minutes prior to the agreed time. That way, you will already have a foot in the door and look motivated for the job.

"You will never get a second chance to make a first impression."

2. Be prepared

For an interviewer, coming unprepared is one of the very first signs that you are not that motivated or interested in the job or company. Not knowing what the company’s activities are or what the job you are applying for includes is an immediate let-down. So make sure you are up-to-date and use this knowledge in the conversation to show your interest.

 

3.     Be yourself

Perhaps the most important of them all. If you pretend to be someone else, you will be exposed sooner or later. Instead, be as natural as possible. You will be less nervous and perform better as well.

"Be as natural as possible."

4.    Be honest

This goes without saying.

 

5.   Be to the point

Nobody likes somebody who beats around the bush. Just give to-the-point answers and make sure you provide concrete examples to confirm them.

 

6.     Be dynamic

Your interviewer could ask any question, especially questions you do not expect or did not prepare upfront. If you can answer them anyway, you will immediately have an edge. Therefore, be dynamic in your answers. Also, show that you can be flexible! For example, do not express a 9 to 5 mentality when the job you are applying for acquires more.

"Nobody likes somebody who beats around the bush."

 

7.     Be confident

The interviewer needs to believe in you and your capabilities. Therefore, show your confidence (without being arrogant of course). Ever heard of the power pose? Before going in; straighten your back, put your shoulders back, chin high and plant your hands on your hips for 2 minutes. You will immediately feel more confident!

 

8.    Dress properly

Looking presentable will score you points right away but what is appropriate? Dress to impress. Yes. But do not overdress. The right outfit depends on the job you are applying for.  Therefore, here too, make sure you did your research. You can always take a peek at their company Facebook page to see how the employees are dressed.

"Talk less, listen more."
 

9.     Make a dialogue

Talk less, listen more. At least in the beginning. Afterwards, you can use all the information given and the research that you did upfront to turn the interview into a dialogue. Daring to ask aimed questions shows your interest, that you listened carefully and that you took the time to find out more about the company and the job.

 

10.   Smile

You will appear friendlier and more approachable. 


Keep in mind all of these commandments and you will immediately distinguish yourself from the competition with a good impression.

 

Thanks to our experts for their insights!

- Ineke Smeulders, former Marketing Manager

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