Perhaps the most daunting and somewhat overwhelming phase in the life of any career person is job seeking, especially when you have never landed an interview and could use the job. This is why finally getting called in for an interview, while it is the most exhilarating unforgettable moment for most people, mostly adds to the internal pressure. Suddenly, all your thoughts and energy are channelled towards how not to fail the interview.
Statistically, you are more likely to pass an interview through your non-verbal communication than through your verbal communication. And so, as much as you refine your knowledge and communication skills for the interview, do up your body language game as well. Begin by picturing your outfit, for example. If you are a man, will you wear business casual shoes or just shoes?
Well, here’s a list of important tips on how to make a good impression at your interview, starting with the obvious.
1. Find the Right Outfit
Finding the right outfit is crucial because outfits make up 90% of the first impression. Ensure you dress up accordingly by adapting your style to the nature of the company’s operations. For instance, not all job interviews require formal outfits like suits. If you are called in for a farm interview, for example, wear a neat outfit that would work well in the field if you need to go there.
The general rule of thumb in most acceptable interviews can be summed up into five colors. The color blue elicits trust, respect, and authority. Wearing pure blue may, however, indicate a slight absence of creativity.
Black is the purest expression of boldness, elegance, and seriousness. An interviewer will easily classify you as serious and bold with the first glance of your outfit.
Green symbolizes calmness, growth, and serenity. This kind of openness will show your willingness to learn and grow.
Yellow and orange are bright colors that mostly indicate your inner state of happiness. Some jobs like those that involve working with children require a generally happy person, so adding a small bright yellow or orange detail to your clothes will bring out the impression that you are happy.
2. Fact-Check the Company
Interview preparation is critical. While different interviews are suited for different jobs and have unique structures, preparing well ensures you are familiar with most interview questions. It would help if you researched as many possible case scenarios regarding that interviewing job. Being knowledgeable about the relevant information regarding the interview is known to be a natural confidence booster.
Begin by doing thorough research about the company. Study the management; a few of them could be in the panel. Get acquainted with the language used in the interview by learning good and relevant vocabulary to earn you points in the interview. Do more research on the company bearing in mind that you could be asked questions about the company.
3. Boost Your Confidence Through Practice
Feeling anxious or nervous is inevitable when preparing for an interview, especially if it’s your first or first time in a long time. These are feeling that you can’t simply shut down or ignore. This is why, after preparation, you need to practice for the interview.
You can begin by having a mock interview with your family or friends in your house. This will test your level of preparedness in terms of how much vocabulary you have, how much information about the company you have, and how professional and direct you are in your delivery.
Practicing will also ensure you get familiarized with difficult questions. An example of a commonly asked question will require you to tell them about yourself. You could be asked to tell your weaknesses or share your five-year vision. These and many more questions appear simple on the surface but are pretty complicated in reality. Practice will guide you on how to give outstanding, honest, and authentic responses.
4. Punctuality
The importance of punctuality cannot be overstated. Arriving late to an interview can render all your hard preparation null and void. Most people blank out and get extremely anxious when they don’t get to an interview on time. This is why you must do everything you can to ensure you get to the interview as early as possible. If possible, get to the venue an hour or two before time and familiarize yourself.
5. Non-verbal Expression
Body language is key. An interviewer can read your personality just by looking at you. For instance, crossing your arms while seated or burying your head deep in your shoulders indicates that you are insecure. Even if you are indeed insecure, try as much as you can not to show it. Pretend you’re not.
Offer a firm handshake to the panelists, sit shoulder high, smile, be audible, and make a great first impression.
In Conclusion
Job interviews are tough, but so are you. Acknowledge your weaknesses, take note of areas in which you feel you could be behind, and work hard to counter them. It takes work to be better at something and practice to be perfect at something. Develop a winning strategy for your interview by creating a good impression using the above-listed tips!