Looking for a new job? If you’ve secured an interview, it’s important to know that first impressions can have a lasting impact on peoples’ feeling about you as an employee, so the first 30 seconds of an interview are arguably the most important. Kate Heussler shares her top seven tips about how to make a good first impression at a job interview.
The saying “you only get one shot at a good first impression” holds true in many aspects of life, especially in the professional world. People form opinions and make judgments based on first impressions, often before you even have a chance to showcase your skills or personality.
Making a good first impression is crucial when it comes to a job interview. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills and personality to potential employers, and set yourself apart from other candidates.
As part of the digital masterclasses I teach, I always make sure to include a module preparing participants for interviews. This is not only a useful skill for models facing a panel for a casting call, but for life in general. Here are my top 7 tips on how to make a good first impression at a job interview, particularly for women.
How to make a good first impression at a job interview
1. Dress professionally for the interview
Choose your outfit carefully for the job interview
If you want to make a good first impression at a job interview, the way you present yourself is the first thing that employers will notice about you, so it’s important to dress professionally. Here are some tips for dressing for a job interview:
- Wear conservative and formal attire.
- Avoid wearing too much makeup or jewellery.
- Ensure that your clothes are clean and ironed.
- Choose comfortable shoes that match your outfit.
- Avoid revealing clothing or clothing that is too tight.
It’s important to dress in a way that reflects the company culture and the role you’re interviewing for. Research the company beforehand to get a sense of what the dress code is and what employees typically wear.
2. Arrive early for the job interview
Arriving early is a great way to make a good first impression for a job interview. It shows that you’re reliable, punctual, and respectful of the interviewer’s time. Arriving early also gives you time to calm your nerves, review your resume, and prepare mentally for the interview.
3. Be prepared
Preparation is key when it comes to a job interview. Here are some tips for being prepared:
- Research the company and the role you’re applying for.
- Review your resume and practice talking about your experience.
- Prepare answers to common interview questions.
- Bring copies of your resume and any relevant documents.
- Have a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
Being prepared for the job interview shows that you’re serious about the role and that you’re willing to put in the effort to succeed.
4. Make eye contact
Making eye contact is an important part of making a good first impression at the job interview. It shows that you’re engaged and interested in the conversation, and it helps to build a connection with the interviewer. Here are some tips for making eye contact:
- Look directly at the interviewer’s eyes.
- Avoid staring or blinking excessively.
- Use eye contact to convey confidence and attentiveness.
It’s important to strike a balance between making eye contact and looking away from time to time. This will help you to avoid coming across as too intense or aggressive.
5. Be confident
Confidence is key when it comes to a job interview. It shows that you’re capable, competent, and able to handle the challenges of the job. Here are some tips for being confident:
- Practice positive self-talk before the interview.
- Take deep breaths to calm your nerves.
- Use body language to convey confidence (e.g. standing up straight, smiling).
- Speak clearly and confidently.
- Avoid filler words (e.g. um, ah, like).
Being confident is important, but it’s also important to avoid coming across as arrogant or overconfident. Strike a balance between showing your strengths and being humble.
6. Listen and respond thoughtfully to questions
Active listening is an important part of making a good first impression at a job interview. It shows that you’re engaged and interested in what the interviewer has to say, and it helps you to respond thoughtfully to their questions. Here are some tips for active listening:
- Listen attentively to the interviewer’s questions.
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.
- Pause to think before answering.
- Respond thoughtfully and concisely.
- Use examples to illustrate your points.
Active listening will help you to build a rapport with the interviewer and demonstrate your communication skills.
7. Follow Up After the Interview
Send a ‘thank you’ email to convey your enthusiasm for the role
Following up after the interview is a great way to reinforce the good impression that you made during the interview and can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from other candidates and demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the position. A simple thank-you email or note is an effective way to express your gratitude for the interviewer’s time, reiterate your interest in the job, and highlight any particular points that you discussed during the interview. Additionally, if you haven’t heard back from the interviewer within the timeframe they provided, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up with a polite email or phone call to inquire about the status of your application. This demonstrates that you’re proactive and eager to move forward in the process.
Here are some tips for following up:
- Send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours of the interview.
- Express your appreciation.
You only get one shot at a good first impression. It can be the difference between winning and losing the job. By following these tips, you’ll be able to showcase your skills and personality, and set yourself apart from other candidates. Good luck!
Connect with Kate Heussler via her website, or follow her on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter
