How to Impress an Interviewer (2023)

FAQs

What should I say to impress in an interview? ›

Ask Intelligent Questions

Turn the tables by asking thought-provoking questions that show you're really trying to envision yourself in the job. Steer clear of anything related to salary, benefits or work hours, and opt for questions solely focused on the job and the company.

An employer wants to hear how qualified and passionate you are, and a can-do attitude will take you far. “They want reassurance that you're genuinely interested in the job and not just looking for a paycheck,” Templin says. “This is your opportunity to show why you're perfect for the job.”

Demonstrate authentic emotions. Ask open-ended questions, so that you involve the interviewer and get them talking. The more they talk, the better it is for you. They'll feel that you must be a great candidate since they're spending so much time speaking with you.

While interviewers are looking for someone who is an analytical, independent problem solver, they are also largely paying attention to whether a candidate is an effective communicator with good interpersonal skills. Ultimately, clients are not just going to trust every factually accurate recommendation.

Primarily, they desire for their lives to be made easier by hiring someone. They would also prefer the person to adequately accomplish the job at hand, be relatively pleasant to work with and, hopefully, the prospective employee would have the boss' back when needed.

How do you know if an interviewer likes you? ›

Positive responses like, “That's exactly right,” “Great answer,” or “Yes, that's just what we're looking for” are key indications that an interviewer likes you and will give your application further consideration. The more positive feedback you get, the more likely you are to move forward in the hiring process.

"I can't help thinking you might be interviewing somewhere else in a couple years saying the same thing about us." If you have to explain why you left your last job on short notice, put a positive spin on it. Whatever you do, don't gripe. Even if you're justified, it'll just sound like sour grapes.

Present yourself as comfortable and confident. Maintain good eye contact, but try not to stare. Smile at appropriate times and be polite. Show your energy and enthusiasm during the interview.

Make eye contact and avoid shifting your eyes or looking around the room while you answer questions. Keep hand gestures to a minimum and try to maintain a confident smile throughout the interview. Avoid slouching and fidgeting. You must not give the impression that you are bored, uninterested or nervous.

“I'm a little nervous.” Acknowledging that your nerves are getting the better of you might actually help you shake off your nervousness. Most interviewers have been there, too, at some point in their career and will understand.

It's okay to share with the interviewer that you are nervous. You might think it's one of the weaknesses that interviewers try to avoid when hiring, but it's a lot more normal for a person to be nervous at interviews than you might think. Saying it out loud can actually help.

How do I beat interview anxiety? ›

When answering the question “What are you passionate about?” during an interview, remember to always be honest, and when it's appropriate, clearly communicate how your passion would make you an asset to your potential employer. It may feel awkward at first, but don't be afraid to share a little about yourself!

A Strong Smile is a Sign of Confidence

Being confident can definitely get you way ahead of others competing for the same job position. And a smile is the best symbol of confidence. Not only does it create a good impression on the interviewer but it can also make you happy and feel positive during the interview.

Employers like to hire candidates with confidence in a job interview. If you seem confident, they'll assume that you'll perform better in their job.

The 45-minute interview

Forty-five minutes is what is considered the average amount of time a good interview should last. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to talk about your history, skills, education, and achievements while simultaneously sizing up the interviewer and company.

How can I impress an interview in 30 seconds? ›