So you’ve polished your resume, submitted a job application, and just received an email from a hiring manager with an invitation to an interview. Now that you know the company is interested in you, how do you make a good impression that will propel you to the top of the candidate list?
There are subtle things that are important during an interview that many entry-level candidates (especially those who might not have experience interviewing) don’t know. In a perfect world, employers wouldn’t be judgmental when it comes to the small things, but realistically, it only takes about seven seconds to make a first impression that will influence what an employer thinks of you during the rest of the interview. Whether you are preparing for your initial phone screen, a video interview, or the in-person interview, pay attention to these seven ways to make that first impression work to your advantage.
If your interview is taking place in an office, time your arrival so that you’re there 10-15 minutes before it begins. This signals your enthusiasm to a potential employer, while also giving you valuable time to observe office dynamics and make some mental notes about the company culture. It’s likely that the office will have a lobby or area for you to wait, and the hiring manager will meet you when he/she is ready. Keep in mind that you don’t want to arrive too early, which might inconvenience a hiring manager who is still in a meeting or preparing for the interview. For phone interviews and video interviews, it’s also important to be on time so that when the phone rings or video call begins, you can start right away. Never let the phone call go to voicemail!
You only have one chance to make a first impression, and the way you dress for your interview can heavily influence that first impression. Dress comfortably and professionally from head to toe, according to the company or industry’s standards. For example, industries like banking usually require a suit. However, your outfit for an interview at a startup might be a nice blouse and skirt, or button-down shirt and long pants. If the company’s dress code tends to be casual, dress one notch above that. In general, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed, so err on the side of caution if you are unsure what to wear.
Even if you are conducting your interview over video or over the phone, you should dress professionally. You might think that you can wear jeans for a video interview because the hiring manager won’t see your whole body, but that’s not usually a good idea. When you are dressed in your interview attire, it will put you in the right interview mindset and your confidence and professionalism are likely to increase.
During an interview, the hiring manager will usually have a copy of your resume in hand. However, if you are doing a panel interview, the other members of the hiring committee might not have a copy with them. Bring several printed-out copies of your resume to an in-person interview in case not everyone has one in front of them. You may wish to refer to something on your resume in the course of the interview, and it might be beneficial for the hiring committee to be able to jot down notes on your resume. You might also choose to invest in a portfolio folder to hold these copies of your resume, which will further establish you as a professional who is always prepared. For a phone or video interview, have a print copy of your resume to the side so if the hiring manager asks you a specific question about it, you will be able to reference it yourself.
Eye contact is one of the most important parts of having a professional demeanor. It shows deep attention and focus on the individual you are speaking with, and it also projects positive social skills, credibility, and honesty. For a one-on-one interview, do your best to make eye contact with the hiring manager directly, and for a panel interview, make eye contact with each panel member as you answer their questions so that it feels as if you are addressing all of them.
Note that during a video interview, it can be harder to maintain eye contact with the hiring manager since you are not in the same room. To improve your ability to make a connection through eye contact, start by removing distractions such as your phone and turn off any notifications on your computer so that nothing pops up while you are in the middle of your conversation. The more you can focus your attention on the interviewer, the more likely you are to maintain eye contact.
Technical problems, poor lighting, or spotty audio reflect poorly on a job candidate. So if your interview is being conducted over the phone or video, take care of any troubleshooting in advance. Check your internet connection and speed, and use an ethernet cable if your wifi is unreliable. If you’re conducting an interview over the phone, choose the place you will take the interview call in advance and have a friend call you to test out the service. If you are using a new videoconferencing platform for the first time, make sure you have downloaded any necessary programs so that it will run smoothly. Test your camera and your microphone so that when the interview is about to start, you won’t be stressed about technical problems. You may also want to test the lighting before a video interview to make sure that the hiring committee will be able to see you easily.
While looking professional is important, a hiring committee is most interested in figuring out if you are a good fit for the company culture and if you are capable of the job responsibilities. Doing your research and knowing the company well is a way for you to underscore that you are the best fit for the position. You probably already researched the company when you sent in your initial application, but take your research a step further before you get to the interview. Review their company website, profiles on sites like Glassdoor and RippleMatch, and social media presence to get a better idea of what the company does, what employees think about the company, and what the company’s culture and mission are. If you know someone who works for the company, ask to pick their brain so you can get an insider’s perspective.
An interview isn’t just about a hiring manager asking you questions. It’s a conversation, and you should have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the interview. You should also expect hiring managers to end an interview by asking if you have any questions. Have a few final questions prepared, include asking about next steps, opportunities for professional development, and what some of the company’s goals are in the short term and long term. You should also ask questions referencing something that the hiring manager mentioned earlier in the conversation to show that you were actively listening.
Your appearance, behavior, and knowledge of the company are all factors that ultimately influence an employer’s opinion during an interview and affect whether or not you will be offered the job. While these tips are not a guarantee that you will get the offer, they will increase your confidence and professionalism during the interview process and leave employers with a positive impression.