HOW TO IMPRESS THE INTERVIEWER?

A job interview is an excellent opportunity to sell your skills and services to employers. Normally, Job interviews can last around 30 to 45 minutes or maybe more and you need to convert this time into an employment contract. But the question is how. HOW TO IMPRESS THE INTERVIEWER?  We all need an answer to this stunning question.

There are many ways to impress the interviewer in the whole recruitment process. A combination of solid skills, experience, preparation, self-confidence, a positive approach, and using the right technique to answer the question can set you apart from other candidates.

Remember, in today’s environment for only one vacancy hundreds of candidates are applying with strong qualifications and experience. How you are going to stand tall in hundreds of applicants and impress the interviewer. To stand tall we must know, What Do Recruiters Look For In A Candidate and how to impress the recruiters?

To impress the employer, you have to share some facts and figures with concrete examples. It’s an art to impress the hiring manager and stand tall. I am writing here very important points that will help you to impress the interviewer and win the interview. Believe me, these are very important and you should follow them;

Present Yourself Well:

Choose appropriate attire and dress professionally for an interview to make the best first impression. Arrive early or on time, give a gentle smile, use the name of the interviewer, be nice to everyone you interact with, give a firm handshake and look your interviewer in the eye pleasantly, while speaking. Keep some extra copies of your updated resume. It’s a decent way to show your confidence and makes the first impression.

Engage the Interviewer in Small Talk:

Just before starting the formal interview session, engage yourself in a small chit-chat with the interviewer or panel to show that you are friendly, interesting, and social. By doing this, you can build confidence, overcome tension and you will feel comfortable in the whole interview process.

Prepare Some Answers to General Interview Question:

Prepare yourself very well to answer all the questions. Make a list of questions that the interviewer can ask and write down the answers. You should write all types of questions like technical, behavioural, informational, etc., and practice their answer very well. In interviews communicate very well, avoid stuttering and repetition.

Use the Right Technique to Answer the Questions:

Always back your answers with relevant real-time examples, illustrations, or anecdotes. One of the best and easiest ways to organize the answer is STAR methodology. This is the Situation, Task, Action, and Result based approach to answer the situation based or work experience related interview question. While answering, anticipate the right situation and task and convey wisely about your action and what was the result. To answer the question properly, the rule is very simple; be prepared, be right and be brief.

Present your Work Experience and Qualification Properly:

Present your work experience and qualification according to the job requirements. Use the questions about this area as your opportunity to prove you have the ability to do this job. Talk about relevant things you have done. Highlight your strong points. Focus on the key areas of the role and explain how your qualification and experience can play a pivotal role to excel in this job.

Emphasize You can Offer Value:

Remember, employers always prefer candidates who can offer value and help organizations to achieve their objectives. So, during the interview focus on the recruiters’ interest instead of just looking for own interest. Convince the recruiter you can deliver what he want from you. Give assurance to the hiring managers you can contribute to the business and help the employers to achieve their objectives.

Present your Professional Skills Well:

Present your professional skills well and align these skills with the job requirements and explain how you can use your skills for this job and add value to the role. Sell your skills like a product and try to convince the interviewer that your skills will bring the best result. Focus on what you can offer instead of what you can get from the role.

Focus on Achievements and Key-Value Addition:

Present your achievements, this is very important and will stand you out from the rest. Everyone in the interview will talk about qualifications, experiences, and skills. But this is the key to impress. Tell the interviewer with examples of what you have achieved and bring value to the organization. While preparing for the interview lists your achievements and present well.

Research Well About the Company:

You should know the company well. Prepare yourself by doing some research about company history, products and services, and competitors. Having ample knowledge about the company will create a positive impression and will show your interest. You can get information from the company website and social media.

Be optimistic and show Enthusiasm:

Show your enthusiasm and passion for the work you do and what you want to do in your next role. Convince the interviewer that you love your work and you are excited about this opportunity. Tell the interviewer you want to build your career with this organization. Mention in your interview, you want to work for a long time and show him this opportunity is as per your experience and will help you to achieve your goals.

Be Positive, Motivated, Courteous:

Be positive, self-motivated, courteous, and confident. I am sure you will do everything right in your interview but if you come across with a negative attitude and lacking confidence, you might lose your chance. Remain calm, motivated, and confident during the interview. Show the interviewer you are a great fit for this job. Be specific and give reasons why you are qualified and fit for this role.

Show Some Restraints:

During an interview, you must know what you can say and what you should avoid. Avoid talking about money or benefits at the initial stages of the interview process. Don’t pass negative remarks about the past organizations, bosses, or employees. You should focus on the parameters fit for the job. Organizations don’t hire complainers. Don’t mention irrelevant career aspirations or other part-time activities. Don’t show you are looking for a short-term role. Mostly, employers are looking for people who can work for a long period.

Ask the Right Questions:

The interview process is two-way traffic. Don’t think you are just sitting in front of the employer to answer the questions. You also have a right to ask the question and you also have a right to choose the best employer. At the end of the interview, ask some good questions. This will show that you are interested in this opportunity and this will create a feel-good factor.

End on Positive Note:

To end the interview is as important as to start, so make sure to exit the interview in a graceful way. Don’t engage in any behaviours that can disrupt your confidence. Show your interest in the role and company. Take your stuff calmly, have a pleasant handshake with a smile, and leave the interviewer room with a positive statement.

Follow up Email/Call:

After the interview send a pleasant email or you can call the interviewer to call him. A nice thank you note will help you to stand out from others and you can ask for the next step as well.