Remember, you can never make a second first impression. That good old clichéd saying is true, “Your first impression is your last impression”. So make sure that it is a good one to secure that job.

Here’s a little nerdy thought – Your employer will make their decision based on the first 30 seconds you spend with them. It is their subconscious mind that makes the decision whether you are a likeable person or not. And if you will be a good fit for the team or not.

So how do you make those 30 seconds great for them?

Be confident, make eye contact, shake their hand gently, and most importantly, be yourself. You don’t have to change yourself to get that job, you have to convince that interviewer that the company needs you, and not the other way around.

It is okay to take some time to answer their questions. It is always better to think about your answers and not just start throwing them up like you did on the answer sheets when you were in High School.
You should be willing to Walk The Talk because that’s what the employers want. This should make you confident of your skills, knowledge and experience about things, and not nervous. Look competent enough so that your employers will have a hard time selecting someone else other than you.

How do you do that?

Consider every possibility and weakness about yourself and make sure that they never come up during the interview. Not many people do that, and this is what will give you an unfair advantage.
It doesn’t matter what you claim through your mouth unless your body language says the contrary. So concentrate on that. Avoid folding hands, leaning back in the chair and looking down. Have constant eye contact with your interviewer, but make sure that you are not staring at them (search for the definition of eye contact and staring).

Burn a couple of answers in your brain to make sure you present them with a proper body language. But be ready to stay in the posture when the interviewer asks you a couple of awkward questions to take you off the guard.

When those awkward moments/questions arrive, stay positive. Remember, this is an interview and this is what your interviewer is paid for. You should make yourself ready for it. Relax yourself and think with an open mind.

You’re Not Here Just To Answer Questions

You are not obliged to just answer the questions. You too can ask questions to the interviewer about the company and the business. Not only this will transform the whole interview into a great conversation, it will also give your interviewer a sense of connection with you.

Consider your interviewer as your friend, a new friend. If there’s something you didn’t understand about a question, ask them to elaborate.

At the end of the interview, ask them if there’s any other information that is required. Also ask about when you will be hearing back from them about your success. Again, make sure that you show your interest in the company and the job.

Make it a point that before leaving that room, you take a business card from them and send them a “Thank You” letter or email and mention that you enjoyed meeting them and how you are interested in the company.

If you didn’t happen to have a successful interview, make sure that you ask for feedback so that you can improve yourself next time. Most interviewers/employers are open to give you feedback which can be highly valuable, but few people ask for it.

If you aren’t selected, spend some time reflecting on what to improve next time. Do ask for feedback, it can be very valuable. Most employers are willing to give feedback to unsuccessful interview candidates, but few are ever asked.