The most important part of a job interview is the beginning. That’s when you have an opportunity to make a great impression—or a poor one—on your interviewer. Some say they know within the first 30 seconds or so whether the person has a shot at getting hired.
You probably have a little more time than that, but it’s important to make the best impression you can within the first few minutes of meeting your interviewer. Carry it on throughout the interview, so you have a good shot at getting a second interview and a job offer.
Quick Tips for Impressing Your Interviewer
Here are some quick and easy tips on how to impress all the people you meet when you’re interviewing for a new job.
1. Practice. Practice might not make perfect, but it does help you make a good impression. Review the interview questions that employers most frequently ask and think about how you’ll answer them.
2. Wear appropriate interview attire. It can be really awkward if you show up at a job interview overdressed—or underdressed. Always dress appropriately for an interview so you make the best first impression.
3. Don’t go into the interview without knowing anything. Take the time to research the organization, so you know as much as possible about it. That way you’ll be prepared to answer questions about what you know about the company.
4. Get the inside scoop. Besides researching the organization, see if you can get some inside information on the company and its employees. Check LinkedIn, Facebook,