The corporate world is quite similar to Westeros. The competition continues to go a notch higher every day. Finding the perfect employment opportunity is super challenging. It seems no less complicated than occupying the Iron Throne in King’s Landing. Putting your best foot forward is mandatory. So, learn how to impress the interviewer and prevent getting lost in the crowd.
Step 1: Research and Preparation
Acing your interview begins with digging up information.
1.1. Research the company and industry
Know the company as you would know each house’s history to put forward a strategic move in the battle of the Seven Kingdoms. For instance, find out about the USPs and competitors of the organisation.
Study the company’s mission, values, and culture
What drives the organisation to move up the ladder of success? What makes them unique? Find out everything.
Understand the company’s offerings
Know their products, services, and target market inside and out. Be as familiar with their offerings as Daenerys was with her dragons.
Stay updated on industry trends and news
Just as every ruler must know the state of their kingdom, stay updated on industry trends and news. This knowledge will make you sound informed and engaged.
1.2. Analyse the job description and requirements
Figure out what the organisation expects from the perfect candidate.
Identify critical skills and qualifications needed for the role
Remember how thorough Arya Stark was with the list of names she wanted to kill? That’s how familiar you should be about the key competencies necessary to secure the job.
Align your experiences and achievements with the job requirements
When in doubt regarding how to impress the recruiter, highlight relevant accomplishments. Show how your past battles have prepared you for this role.
Prepare specific examples and anecdotes to showcase your fit
Tales of courage help solidify a warrior’s position. Similarly, arm yourself with specific scenarios and narratives. These stories will demonstrate your suitability for the role
1.3. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer
One of the worst mistakes that a job candidate can make is not asking the interviewer any questions. Insightful questions are about interviewing the interviewer. They help in reflecting foresight and enthusiasm.
Demonstrate your interest in the role and company
Exhibit your authentic curiosity and passion. Ask relevant questions to showcase your willingness to join the organisation. The top 3 questions to ask your interviewer are as follows:
- What opportunities for professional growth are present here?
- What do you expect me to bring to the table during my first year?
- What do you think are the potential challenges associated with this role?
Inquire about growth
Ask about advancement opportunities and organisational culture. This will indicate that you are contemplating long-term and are eager to progress with them.
Avoid asking questions that can be easily found through research
Steer clear from queries with responses available online. It shows you haven’t appeared for the interview without using your inner Sherlock Holmes first.
Step 2: Dress for Success
A few studies suggest that people formulate an impression within 33 to 100 milliseconds of meeting someone. This is true and particularly important when you are at a job interview. Remember that the first thing an interview notices about you is the way you are dressed for interview. Your appearance communicates loudly before you utter a single word.
2.1. Choose appropriate attire for the company and industry
Dressing suitably displays regard for the organisation and the position you are seeking.
Research the company’s dress code and culture
Understand the company’s dressing guidelines and environment. Dress as appropriate as a noble at a grand feast.
Opt for professional and polished clothing choices
Your attire should mirror your dedication to the position. Don’t wear anything too casual as it might show a lack of seriousness.
Pay attention to grooming and personal hygiene
Present yourself as well-groomed as a gallant knight. Comb your hair properly. Trim your beard. Also, remember to smell fresh and good if you are wondering how to impress the interviewer.
2.2. Select colours and styles that convey confidence and competence
Be careful about the hues and design of your outfits to leave a positive impression on the recruiter. Here are a few colours that you can opt for:
| Blue | Reflects trust, confidence, and team spirit |
| Black | Showcases leadership leadership, exclusivity, and sophistication |
| Grey | Portrays you as independent, logical, and analytical |
Stick to neutral colours and conservative styles
Neutral colours and traditional designs are the safest choices. They exude confidence and capability without being overly extravagant.
Avoid distracting accessories
Stay away from accessories that are too flashy. You want the main focus to be on your statements and achievements.
Ensure clothes are well-fitted
Double-check that your attire fits well and feels comfortable. You don’t want to be bothered by discomfort during your interview.
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Step 3: Master Non-Verbal Communication
If you are wondering how to impress HR in an interview, be careful about more than what you say. Remember that non-verbal communication comprises 50% of a job interview.
3.1. Practice positive body language
Your non-verbal cues can have a significant impact on how others perceive you. Positive body language is crucial in conveying confidence and interest.
Maintain good posture and eye contact
Stand tall and avoid stooping. Maintain steady eye contact to show confidence and engagement.
Use friendly facial expressions
Try to appear kind and approachable. If you are smiling, do it from your heart.
Avoid nervous gestures
Stay calm and composed, avoiding fidgeting or scanning the room. Picture yourself as a seasoned leader preparing for battle.
3.2. Use a confident and clear speaking voice
If you are wondering how to impress at workplace, don’t sound timid while responding. Articulate all your thoughts with maximum clarity.
Practice proper pacing and enunciation
The speed at which you utter each word should also be optimal. Moreover, pronounce everything correctly to capture the attention of the interviewer.
Vary your tone to convey enthusiasm
Avoid speaking in a monotone voice. The way you speak should reflect your willingness to become a part of the team.
Minimize filler words and verbal tics
Imagine how Tyrion Lannister would address the Small Council. You must also bring the same amount of clarity and purpose in your speech. Here’s a few words that you should avoid using while speaking during a job interview:
- Like
- Yeah
- Right
- Of course
- You know
Step 4: Showcase Your Skills and Experiences
Wondering how to impress in an interview? Throw light on why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
4.1. Use the STAR method to structure your responses
The STAR method aids in presenting your experiences in a clear and impactful manner.
Situation: Describe the context
Set the stage by describing the setting and background of your example.
Task: Explain the specific problem or goal
Explain the particular challenge or objective you were confronted with
Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation
Describe the actions you took to tackle the scenario. Provide detailed information about your contributions.
Result: Highlight the positive outcomes and lessons learned
Highlight the positive results and lessons learned. Demonstrate the impact of your actions.
4.2. Quantify your achievements
Using metrics and data enhances the concreteness and impressiveness of your achievements.
Use specific numbers and percentages to illustrate your impact
Quantify your accomplishments. Specific numbers and percentages effectively illustrate your influence. For instance, say, “In my previous company, I initiated a new feedback system that increased client satisfaction by 30%.”
Provide concrete examples of how you added value in previous roles
Provide tangible instances of how you enhanced value in previous positions. This demonstrates your capability and dependability.
Tie your accomplishments back to the job requirements
Relate your achievements to the position requirements. This reinforces your suitability for the position.
4.3. Demonstrate your abilities
Recruiters will be eager to discover the qualities you have. Problem-solving and critical-thinking capacities are highly sought after.
Share examples of how you tackled complex challenges
Share instances of overcoming complex challenges. This showcases your problem-solving abilities.
Explain your thought process and decision-making approach
Clarify your thought process and decision-making approach. This demonstrates your critical-thinking skills.
Highlight your ability to adapt and learn from failures
Highlight your capacity to adapt and learn from setbacks. Show resilience and a growth mindset.
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Step 5: Build Rapport and Connection
Anyone wondering how to impress a recruiter should believe in the power of building a connection.
5.1. Show your passion
Genuine enthusiasm and interest can be infectious and leave a lasting impact.
Smile and engage in friendly small talk
Begin with a smile and engage in friendly chit-chat. This portrays a positive tone for the discussion. Maybe start the conversation by saying, “Hey! Hope you are having a nice day.”
Express your excitement about the opportunity
Share your eagerness to contribute to the organisational value. Authentic enthusiasm is inspiring.
Share your passion for the company’s mission and values
Express your familiarity with the company’s mission and values. Align your beliefs with theirs.
5.2. Find common ground and shared experiences
Discovering common ground can help establish a strong bond with the interviewer.
Look for similarities in background or interests
Bond over similar hobbies or likings. Shared experiences can help create a connection.
Relate your experiences to the interviewer’s journey
Establish a similarity between your and the recruiter’s path. This helps build a rapport.
Use active listening and empathy to build connection
Engage in active listening and show empathy. Demonstrate that you value their perspective.
5.3. Ask insightful and relevant questions
Thoughtful questions indicate your engagement and consideration.
Demonstrate your curiosity
Ask questions that showcase your eagerness to learn.
Seek advice and insights
If you wonder how to impress the recruiter, show that you value their perspectives. This demonstrates respect for their expertise.
Show your commitment to growth and development
Display your commitment to progress and advancement. Highlight your readiness to evolve and become the best version of yourself.
Step 6: Follow Up and Express Gratitude
Following up demonstrates your professionalism and reaffirms your enthusiasm for the position. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, showing gratitude for what you have can open your doors to more. So, don’t forget to thank the interviewer for the opportunity they gave you to increase your chances of successfully landing the job.
6.1. Send a timely and personalised thank-you note
Send the message within 48 hours of the interview. Don’t forget to make it better with a hint of personalisation.
Express your appreciation
Convey your thanks to the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. This small gesture can help you stand out.
Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm for the role
Highlight your excitement for the position. Emphasise why you are a good fit and showcase your enthusiasm.
Highlight critical points from the conversation and reinforce your fit
Reference specific points from your conversation to personalise your message. This helps you highlight why you are a good match for the role.
6.2. Provide any additional information or materials requested
Responding promptly with additional information shows your efficiency and eagerness.
Promptly follow up with any supplementary documents or references
If requested, promptly provide any additional documents or references. This reflects your responsiveness and attention to detail.
Use this opportunity to showcase your responsiveness and attention to detail
Prompt follow-up displays your professionalism. This is important for a positive impression.
6.3. Remain positive and professional
Your attitude after the interview matters a lot for long-term success. Maintain a positive mindset even if you end up getting rejected.
Be gracious and understanding
Recognise that the decision-making process can be time-consuming. Luminaries like Bill Gates keep emphasising the importance of having the patience to taste success. Show patience and understanding throughout.
Keep the door open for future opportunities or networking
Even if you aren’t selected, express your interest in staying connected. Developing a network of professional connections can lead to future opportunities.
Continue to express your eagerness
Stay in touch and continue expressing your value to the company. This persistence can make you a strong contender for future roles.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about how to impress the interviewer. Remember that you win or you learn in the game of interviews. There is no middle ground. So, go out there and give your best!
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FAQs on How to Impress the Interviewer
Q1: How can I make a strong impression in a competitive interview?
A1: It is essential to show genuine interest and highlight specific examples of your accomplishments. Customise your answers to match the values of the organisation.
Q2: How can I beat anxiety during job interviews?
A2: Practice deep breathing to deal with nervousness. Adequate preparation will also keep you confident.
Q3: When is the right time to say thank you after an interview?
A3: Try to showcase your gratitude within 24 hours. This conveys promptness and underscores your enthusiasm for the position.
Q4: What type of queries should I pose to the interviewer?
A4: Inquire about the opportunities for advancement and specific duties associated with the role. Don’t ask any questions that you can discover through primary research.
Q5: What should I say about my weaknesses in a job interview?
A5: Stay truthful, but highlight how you strive to overcome them. Present them in a manner that demonstrates a dedication to personal growth.
