How To Make a Good First Impression at Job Interviews

While most everyone is aware that you should dress well and appear well-groomed for a job interview, there are other steps that will help you to make the best impression possible. The five steps below can help you know how to make a good first impression at job interviews.


1. Use a firm handshake when greeting your interviewer. When you meet your interviewer, make sure to greet him with a firm handshake because a limp handshake will leave a weak impression. There is a psychology to first impressions and interviewers pay close attention to everything about you. How you shake an interviewer's hand may sound like a trivial thing but interviewers with companies offering employment will tell you that a firm handshake is far more impressive to them than a "limp-fish" handshake. A firm handshake will be one of your most important interview techniques.

2. Look your interviewer in the eye. Eye contact also makes a big difference in how you are perceived by an interviewer. By looking your interviewer in the eye, you demonstrate confidence in yourself, plus you are making him aware that you are listening closely to what he says. This also tells him that you have good communication skills, will take instruction well and are a willing learner. If you look away while an interviewer is talking to you, this will leave an impression that you are a timid person rather than a person of confidence.

3. Rehearse answers to questions you may be asked. Most interviewers will ask you general questions in regard to your interest in working for their company and so it is a good idea to consider any questions they might ask you ahead of time and rehearse your answers in advance. Some of the key questions an interviewer might ask may include ones in regard to why you feel you are suited for the position you are applying for. They may also ask you what you know about their company and the types of products or services they offer. If you are asked such questions and seem to not know much about them and their products, this can leave a weak impression. Demonstrating knowledge about their company and expressing it in an interested and excited way leaves a far better impression.

4. Ask interested questions about the company and express your interest and excitement in working for the company. Make your interviewer aware that you have learned about his company and would be excited to work for the company. Ask questions about rewards for hard steady work, such as opportunities for advancement for accomplished employees. Express interest in learning everything possible and ask questions about the training program (such as what products and services you will be trained in). Questions you should avoid asking (and let the interviewer volunteer the information) would be questions such as how vacation time and sick leave are earned or how much insurance coverage the benefits package contains. Your interviewer will inform you of these particulars.

5. Leave the interview by expressing appreciation to your interviewer for taking time with you and reaffirm your interest in the position. Make sure you tell your interviewer that the time spent with her was interesting and informative and that you appreciate her taking time with you. This is also the time to give her another firm handshake before you leave the interview. Also express that you hope to hear from her soon and that she can reach you at her convenience. It can also impress an interviewer to hear the prospective employee express to her that he feels he could do a great job and would be grateful for an opportunity to show how well he would do as an employee.

These are steps that can increase your chances of being hired. Having a positive and confident attitude are key factors in making these steps work for you.