How To Impress At Your Next Job Interview

There are many different factors that influence the chances of you landing your dream job, including managing to impress at your job interview – many of which extend beyond your competency or suitability for the role.

For example, some studies have shown that if you don’t use the right keywords or phrases in your resume, you’ll automatically fail any pre-screenings that take place, even if you’re the best candidate for the role.

You also need to ensure that you impress the interview, which can be easier said than done. After all, a recent study found that 92% of U.S. adults have job interview anxiety, which often causes them to underperform in interviews. Beyond this, it can sometimes be difficult to know what the hiring manager is looking for.

Job Interview Tips

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to impress during your next job interview. 

Dress to impress

While many workplaces now take a relaxed approach to work attire, dressing to impress helps set the right tone for your interview. After all, being well-presented shows that you truly care about getting the job. It can also leave you feeling more confident when you walk into the room (or enter the Zoom call).

Check out some practice questions

While it’s impossible to predict exactly what will be asked of you during an interview, reading up on common interview questions, such as Interview Questions for startups, can be useful. This allows you to think ahead on the kind of response you’d like to give in the official interview while also encouraging you to think reflectively about your skills, qualifications and professional experiences. 

Don’t rush to respond

Interviews require you to think on your feet, as you want to be able to give the best possible answer to the questions the hiring manager is firing your way. However, it’s important that you give a considered response to their questions and that you’re able to back up any claims you make with tangible evidence. For example, it’s all well and good to say that you’re a “team player,” but if you don’t give evidence as to why, this means very little. As such, don’t be afraid to take some time after the question has been asked to think about what you are going to say. This could also help those who tend to stumble over their words. 

Research the company ahead of time

Doing some basic research into the company ahead of time and referencing this during the interview can also increase your chances of success. This is because it shows to the hiring manager that you have a vested interest in the role and company, as opposed to simply applying to every job you come across. You should also ask questions about the company or workplace culture at the end of the interview, as this once again demonstrates your passion and interest. It could also help you determine whether or not you think you’ll be a right fit for the company.

Send a follow-up email

The chances are the hiring manager will be conducting a series of interviews alongside your own. You can ensure that you remain at the forefront of their mind by sending a short yet polite email after the interview, thanking them for their time. Typically, they’ll also let you know when you should expect to hear more about the outcome of the interview. If you’ve not heard back during this timeframe, don’t hesitate to reach out again. This way, even if you’re not successful, you can gain some feedback from the hiring manager.

Work on your active listening skills

No matter what kind of role you are applying for, your ability to communicate with others will impact your overall success. For this reason, you need to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview – though not only within your responses. For example, you should practise active listening, ensuring that you are paying close attention to what the interviewer is saying.

Ask for feedback when unsuccessful

Failing to land the job of your dreams can be incredibly disappointing, especially if you feel as though this is your calling. However, instead of letting bitterness take over, be sure to ask the hiring manager for some feedback on what you can do better next time. For example, it may be that you need to undertake some additional training to enhance your resume or work on your ability to sell yourself in an interview setting. Either way, this feedback (however harsh) can set you on the right path for your next interview, drastically increasing your chances of succeeding.