Making a Good Impression on Job Interviews

Making a Good Impression on Job Interviews

Here's what you should keep in mind the day of the interview and immediately

afterward.

Before the Interview

• Be on time. Being on time (or early) is usually interpreted by the

interviewer as evidence of your commitment, dependability, and

professionalism.

• Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable. Show openness by

leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile. Don't make

negative comments about current or former employers.

• Relax. Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. And

remember, the interviewer is just as nervous about making a good

impression on you.

During the Interview

• Show self-confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer and answer

his questions in a clear voice. Work to establish a rapport with the

interviewer.

• Remember to listen. Communication is a two-way street. If you are

talking too much, you will probably miss cues concerning what the

interviewer feels is important.

• Reflect before answering a difficult question. If you are unsure how to

answer a question, you might reply with another question. For example, if

the interviewer asks you what salary you expect, try answering by saying

"That is a good question. What are you planning to pay your best

candidate?"

• When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared in advance.

These should cover any information about the company and job position

you could not find in your own research.

• Do not ask questions that raise red flags. Ask, "Is relocation a

requirement?", and the interviewer may assume that you do not want to

relocate at all. Too many questions about vacation may cause the

interviewer to think you are more interested in taking time off than

helping the company. Make sure the interviewer understands why you are

asking these questions.

• Show you want the job. Display your initiative by talking about what

functions you could perform that would benefit the organization, and by

giving specific details of how you have helped past employers. You might

also ask about specific details of the job position, such as functions,

responsibilities, who you would work with, and who you would report to.

• Avoid negative body language. An interviewer wants to see how well you

react under pressure. Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:

• Frequently touching your mouth

• Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question

• Gnawing on your lip

• Tight or forced smiles

• Swinging your foot or leg

• Folding or crossing your arms

• Slouching

• Avoiding eye contact

• Picking at invisible bits of lint

After the Interview

• End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or

her time. Reiterate your interest in the position and your qualifications.

Ask if you can telephone in a few days to check on the status of your

application. If they offer to contact you, politely ask when you should

expect the call.

• Send a "Thanks for the Interview" note. After the interview, send a brief

thank-you note. Try to time it so it arrives before the hiring decision will

be made. It will serve as a reminder to the interviewer concerning your

appropriateness for the position, so feel free to mention any topics

discussed during your interview. If the job contact was made through the

Internet or e-mail, send an e-mail thank-you note immediately after the

interview, then mail a second letter by post timed to arrive the week

before the hiring decision will be made.

• Follow up with a phone call if you are not contacted within a week of when

the interviewer indicated you would be.

Establishing Rapport during a Job Interview

By establishing a rapport with your interviewer, you build "common ground"

between the both of you. It is important to listen and be sensitive to the

interviewer's style. This can make communication easier and the whole interview

more comfortable.

Listen closely to the interviewer for cues on how you should act. Is he being

formal or informal? How loudly is he speaking? What sort of information is he

trying to solicit: general, professional, or personal? Once you've determined

where the interviewer is 'coming from,' you can follow his or her lead.

Try to speak with the same rhythm and tone of voice. Make some friendly

observations about your surroundings. If the interview is conversational, make

small talk about your interests, hobbies, or what you did last weekend. Be

positive and upbeat. All of these will help both of you relax and establish a

connection.

It's important to appear open and friendly as well. Give the interviewer a firm

handshake if he offers it, and remember to smile. Make sure you look attentive,

with good posture and consistent eye-contact.