Put your best self forward in a job interview.
The purpose of a job interview is for an employer to determine whether an applicant is a good fit for the company. Since there is often more than one person applying for the same position, the interview is also a competitive process that requires a prospective employee to stand out from the crowd. Impressing at an interview can take many forms.
Preparation
The first key to impressing an employer at an interview is to prepare ahead of time. Researching a prospective employer helps an applicant to tailor her speech to fit the company's objectives by presenting a specific case for how she can be an important asset. Methods of research include viewing the company website or finding news stories involving the business.
General Etiquette
Applicants should be aware of general codes of conduct during the interview process. This includes arriving around five minutes before the interview, unless the employer specifies something different. The applicant should always refer to any employee or staff member at the company by their name. Giving the interviewer a firm handshake and good eye contact are other ways to create a positive impression.
Interview Attire
Making a good first visual impression is the most important aspect of an interview. According to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, an employer's opinion of a job candidate is cemented within the first 30 seconds. Salisbury University suggests that the best interview attire for a man is a two-piece suit and tie with polished dress shoes, and for women it is a two-piece suit with a matching blouse and comfortable, closed-toe shoes with heels that are not conspicuous. A woman should wear a skirt that covers her thighs when she sits down. Interview clothes should always be of conservative colors like navy blue or dark gray. Applicants should be clean shaven with a professional hairstyle and conservative jewelry. Applicants should keep their perfume or cologne light. In some workplaces, however, suits are not appropriate interview attire; in all cases, it is wise to investigate the company and ask people who work in the industry what clothes would be the most proper choice for a job interview.
Posture
Posture is another important aspect of making a good first impression with an employer. An applicant should be standing when an employer greets him, to project the image of readiness. Drexel University's LeBow College of Business advises that the best posture during an interview is sitting upright while leaning slightly toward the interviewer. As the conversation progresses, he should attempt to mimic the interviewer's posture. This projects a sincere level of interest. In addition, MBA Boost advises that resting one arm on the table and the other on the arm rest conveys a sense of power and confidence.
Conveying Value
An employer likes to know that a new hire will add value to his company. The job applicant who can convince that he has a track record of being productive or innovative has the best chance of conducting an impressive interview. This includes enumerating achievements in previous jobs that increased a company's profit margins or reduced overhead.
