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5 Tips to Make a Great First Impression During a Job Interview

5 Tips to Make a Great First Impression During a Job Interview

You want to put your best foot forward during a job interview. And there are many things you can do to make a great first impression when you meet with a potential employer. These include:

1. Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least a few minutes early for your job interview. For a phone interview, find a quiet place for your meeting and ensure you’re set up and good to go before your meeting. Meanwhile, for a video interview, set up your computer and log in to the meeting a few minutes before the scheduled time. If you’re attending an interview in person, map out your commute. Then, you can give yourself ample time to arrive early or on schedule.

2. Be Respectful

Treat others with respect during your interview. This requires you to listen to anyone you engage with throughout your interview and respond accordingly. Furthermore, you should try to remain calm and patient with others. You may be anxious about your interview. Regardless, there is no reason to lash out at others at any point during your interview.

3. Manage Your Body Language

Control your hand and arm movements as best as you can. Oftentimes, it helps to keep your hands at your side during your job interview. You can then avoid sudden hand and arm movements that can otherwise be distracting. Moreover, maintain good eye contact with your interviewer when he or she speaks. And don’t forget to nod and use other non-verbal cues to show your interviewer you are actively listening to him or her.

4. Be Honest

Maintain authenticity throughout your interview. If your interviewer asks you a question, consider it carefully. When you’re ready to answer, provide your interviewer with an honest response. This shows your interviewer who you are and what you’re all about. It helps both you and your interviewer determine if you may be a good fit for a particular role, too.

5. Focus on the Positives

Accentuate the positives during your interview. For instance, you can highlight past roles in your interview but avoid speaking negatively about your former employers. A positive outlook can show your interviewer that you are committed to doing what’s necessary to succeed. It can help you stand out from other job candidates as well.

Get the Most Out of Your Job Interview

A job interview can be challenging, but making a great first impression can help you get the most out of it. The aforementioned tips can help you lay the groundwork for a successful interview. You can use them to show your interviewer why you’re a great candidate from the get-go and boost your chances of securing your dream job.

If you want help with job interviews, Techneeds can assist. We are a professional staffing agency that can provide interview tips, recommendations, and insights. Our recruiters can also put you in touch with top businesses in New England and help you build a rewarding career. Browse our job board today!