How to make a great impression at a job interview

By Recruitment

Acing a job interview is no easy task. Regardless how well qualified you are for the position, nerves can set in and this can easily throw you off your game. But with the right information, you will be better prepared both mentally and emotionally to face an interviewer and make a great impression.

Below are some of the most important things you need to know and keep in mind before walking into any job interview.

  1. Keep in mind that you were invited for the interview

If you were invited for an interview that means you have on some level already impressed the prospective employer and you have just as good a chance as anyone else at getting the job. So don’t be nervous, rather, be excited and focus on following through by making an even greater impression throughout the interview.

  1. Ask questions

Job interviews aren’t an avenue for just the company to learn about you. It’s also an avenue for you to learn about the company. But it’s polite to save your questions till after the interviewer is done asking hers/his. Some questions you could ask include;

  1. Tell a story

The point of telling a story during an interview is to be more memorable. When asked a question such as how you would deal with a particular situation, instead of giving a formulaic answer, try using a story of how you dealt with such an issue in the past to answer the question. Be careful not to tell pointless or unrelated stories. Also make sure to focus on key points with your story and avoid meandering or speaking in parables.

  1. Show restraint

During job interviews, do your best not to bad mouth a past employer (even if they were the worst). Your restraint will show the interviewer that you are disciplined, trustworthy, as well as loyal.

  1. Stand out

You are most likely not the only candidate invited for the interview, thus, you need to act in a manner that leaves a distinct mark on the interviewer. This doesn’t involve dancing on tables and acting quirky. Simply highlight your unique selling points to the interviewer through your answers and indicate just how special you are. Something as simple as your poise or a past professional experience could be that magic thing about you that helps you outshine all other candidates.

  1. Counter your weaknesses

If the interviewer points out weaknesses or aspects of your CV that show you might not be a good fit, be ready to counter by indicating how your other strengths can very well make up for your shortcomings. You can also show that you are already taking steps to improve yourself and overcome said weaknesses.

  1. Show what you know about the company

Prepare for an interview by learning as much as possible about the company. You can use this information to your benefit during an interview by giving answers and relating them to any circumstance that’s ongoing with the company. Interviewers aren’t very keen about interviewees that don’t know a thing about the company being applied to while interviewees who already have an insight about the company are usually impressive and memorable.

  1. Don’t get flustered

If an interviewer keeps slamming you with questions and pushing you, stay cool through it all. Don’t rush your answers and always stay calm. A trick to buy yourself time and stay calm is to slowly repeat the question asked of you before answering at your desired pace.

  1. Massage the interviewer’s ego

Even if you can’t think about anyway to flatter and stroke the ego of the interviewer, you can always flatter the organisation itself. But the tactic of appealing to the ego is more effective if it’s the interviewer’s ego you work on. You can accomplish this by getting the interviewer to talk about themselves or the company. You can from there build a rapport with the interviewer and take control of the interview. This will create a more relaxed atmosphere and also make you feel more in charge. But in your attempt to accomplish this, don’t go randomly interrupting an interviewer and avoid deviating into unsafe topics that are in no way connected with the interview.

By following these little tips, you can control the tide of an interview and have it all end in your favour.

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