How to impress in a job interview (12 crucial things to do)

How to impress in a job interview (12 crucial things to do)How to impress in a job interview (12 crucial things to do)You finally landed an interview for the job youve been coveting congrats Now its time to buck up and blow your upcoming interview out of the water. Easier said than done though, especially if youre pretty new to interviews in general or its been a while since your last job hunt.No matter what the situation, youre likely wondering how can I stand out in the crowd and impress my interviewer(s)?Heres howBe authentic.Although preparation is important, the job is really only the right job for you if its right forbothof you the interviewee (you) and the employer (the company). So being professional but still yourself is the best way to save welchested time and disappointment in your job search because if they hire you it should be based on who you really are, and if they dont move forward with you, it should be because it wasnt an honest match.Dress the part.Whether your e interviewing to flip burgers or run a country, show up dressed to impress. While a suit is no longer the only way to dress well for interviews, it is still a good go-to in most situations. To be totally sure, ask the company before the day of your interview what their dress code is or do a little bit of research on your own aboutappropriate interview attire for different situations. At the end of the day, though, Its always, always better to overdress than underdress.Use first names.There is no sweeter sound than your own name.Studies showthat even patients in a persistent vegetative state react to the sound of their own name thats how powerful this tactic is. Influence the hiring managerand leaving a lasting impression by remembering and using the names of each team member.Bring a copy of your resume.Having a resume to reference makes it easy to share the highlights from your career,ensuresthey align well what you shared on your resume, and demonstrates preparedness in case an i nterviewer doesnt have a copy.Allow the pause.The most impressive candidates control their desire to fill every space with impulsive answers and hesitant ums and uhs. When asked a question, take a moment to think through your response or identify an appropriate anecdote and then begin speaking. The pause is fine and it even shows your ability to be calm and composed.Show interest in the company.Interview the team thats interviewing you by asking questions that allow them to talk about what theyre most proud ofI saw that you have greatemployer reviews. Were you aware of these and why do you think theyre so positive?What wasthe organizations greatest accomplishment last year?What makes people stay at your company?Talk about what you can do for them.Instead of sharing your skills and knowledge in a totally general sense, share how you think your skills and knowledge applies to the role youre applying for and in the organization as a whole. Reference the organizations mission and goals, if youre able to find them online prior the interview, and help them envision you as a team member of the company. This all amounts to tailoring your background to the role and it is at the root of what interviewers want to hear, because it tells them that youre elend just looking for any job, buttheirjob.Be fully prepared to answer any interview question that comes your way. No, theres no way to know for sure what exact questions an interviewer might throw at you, but there are definitelya bunch of common interview questionsyou could use as guide. Being fully preparednot only helps you avoid getting stumped by a question in the interview, but it also helps show that you take this opportunity seriously, that you care enough to put effort into proper preparation, and also to allow the interview to progress more smoothly and enjoyably for everyone involved.Arrive 8 minutes early.Candidates who arrive too early can put pressure on the companys team members to abandon their other oblig ations (OR just let you sit there awkwardly by yourself), and candidates who arrive late might be perceived as unprepared or disrespectful. Arrive in the parking lot or neighborhood as early as you need to, but walk in the front door just 5-8 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time.Never agree to start immediately.Employers want to know that you care about your current employers operations despite leaving the company. If youre currently employed, always mention the notice you have to give and your cognizance of your employers needs when asked how soon you can start.Be positive, courteous and confident.You might do everything else right in the interview, but if you come across as very negative and /or lacking in good manners or confidence, itll make any interviewer second guess whether youve gotthe right personality traits theyre looking for in new hiresthat will make you pleasant to work with.Follow up.Sending a follow-up note or email can keep you fresh on the teams mind and reinforce the fact that youre a courteous and thoughtful person, all great things to do no matter where you are in the hiring process but especially if you were interviewed early in the selection process. Plan that follow-up phone call or email as early as the day of the interview or the morning after.This article was originally published on Kununu.