Impression Making Tips For Job Interview

Know the Facts : Knowing everything you can about the company before the interview ensures you are prepared to answer questions and also shows that you're serious about the job. You won't be thrown for a loop when the interviewer asks you about the company's mission, for example. Visit the company's website and LinkedIn profile. If you have connections to current or former employees, ask them about what the company values most in its employees. Although it's a good starting point, don't focus solely on online research. If possible, scope out the location prior to your interview. Drive by or walk by and see if you can get a sense of the vibe of the organization, such as whether workers are in formal or casual dress. It is also important to map out and memorize the best route to the location so you don't arrive late or end up getting lost.

Arrive on time : Even if you have a good excuse, your interviewer won’t think as highly of you if you’re late. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. If you get to the building sooner than that, use that extra time to prepare for interview questions in the    ararriving more than 10 minutes early may make your interviewer feel rushed.

Dress to Impress : While you might live in sweats and t-shirts during your job-hunting days, your potential boss should never know that. When you meet with your interviewer, dress for the job that you want. Men should wear a suit and tie, and women should wear an interview-appropriate blouse and skirt, or pants. For both men and women, clean hands and fingernails are crucial. And you should keep jewelry and fragrance to a minimum.

Shake Hands : When you first meet the hiring manager, be sure to shake hands as you exchange initial greetings. But what if your interviewer doesn’t offer his hand? The protocol is to extend yours anyway, as a sign of good will. And if your nerves have gotten the best of you (leaving your hand a swampy, moist mess), keep a tissue in your pocket to wipe it off before walking into the interview.

Act confident : Although being interviewed might be on your top ten list of most intimidating moments along with public speaking and skydiving, try your best to emit confidence! A couple ways to feign confidence is to smile, stand/sit up tall, make eye contact with the interviewer, have a firm handshake, and respond to those interview questions with enthusiasm.

Let the person know you're listening : If it looks like you're not listening, people will be turned off. Give subtle hints that you're listening such as looking the person in the eye, nodding, and saying an occasional 'I see.' Also , ask questions about what someone had just said. It shows you've been paying attention and that you want to know more about what they're saying. Finally, don't interrupt.

Focus on speaking : Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Work on varying your voice intonation. You don't want to come off as a monotone bore. Also, speak the language of the person interviewing you. Avoid slang and jargon not associated with the job you're interviewing for. Use proper grammar and vocabulary that reflects a higher education. If people can't understand you, it's hard for them to like you.

Display Interest and Enthusiasm : The way you exit the interview can be as crucial as your entrance. Since interviewers will likely most remember the last impression you make, ensure that you leave on a high note. Demonstrate enthusiasm for an interest in the job. For example, you might say what a pleasure it was to meet the interviewer and that you're really looking forward to hearing from her. Don't forget to be polite and friendly to the receptionist or secretary on your way in and out. Your interviewer may ask his impression of you.

Say “Thanks” : As your mother might say, “Mind your manners!” At the end of your interview, don’t forget to thank your interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. The next day, send a personal “thank you” note to each person you met with via email. It’ll set you apart from the crowd.