By: Nina Petiot
Whether you are a PR major or not it is extremely important to ace any interview you get the opportunity to get invited to. I mean how else are you supposed to get a job? Here are my seven steps to always making a good first impression during an interview, so even if you don’t get the job, you will at least be welcomed back.
Step 1: Research the company! It may feel like stalking but doing your research will help you better understand the type of job you are applying for as well as the company you may potentially be representing. Look for the good, the bad, and the ugly! As you do your research, start coming up with questions about the things you have found out, so you can appear prepared when your interviewer asks you to contribute questions in return.
Step 2: Prepare the little things! Print out your resume, make sure you have at least two references, and find a notebook and pen to bring. You may have submitted your resume and your references electronically, but you always seem more equipped and organized when you print out your documents to have a physical copy. Make sure you also pack a pen and a notebook so you can write down key pieces of information your interviewer will tell you about the job and the company. Also, if you came up with any questions to ask during your interview, write those down in that notebook in advance so your nerves don’t make you forget anything!
Step 3: Prepare your outfit ahead of time! Please don’t wake up the morning of and scramble to figure out what to wear. That is typically when you get the most wrinkles and sweat stains in your clothes because you are in a hurry to rush out the door. At the very least please pick out your outfit the day before. If you look good, you are always going to feel more confident about yourself. Select something professional or at the very least business casual. If you are unsure of what attire to dress for, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. During an interview everything matters, from your looks to what you can bring to the table. So, every aspect of yourself needs to be well polished and fine-tuned.
Step 4: Be early! Obviously do not be an hour early to an interview, but 15-10 minutes early is the typical rule of thumb. You need to account for any kind of traffic you could get stuck in and plan ahead. Nothing makes a worst first impression like being late. More than a handful of people will not tolerate being late even by a few minutes even if you have a good excuse. Showing up a little early shows you care and that you are reliable and able to keep track of time. And that you respect other people’s time too.
Step 5: Smile, maintain eye contact, and don’t forget to have a firm handshake! Like I mentioned before, everything you do matters. It may be annoying when people say that you look better when you smile, but they are not wrong! Make sure you introduce yourself confidently with eye contact and a firm handshake. Do not cut your interviewer’s circulation off in their hand, but do not make it super flimsy and weak either. You need to put your best foot forward at all costs so by the time the interview is over your face should hurt from smiling. Try not to fidget as well. If you must, try wiggling your toes so it is at least out of sight. Do not bounce your leg up and down, stroke your hair, or pick at your fingernails. All those things make you seem nervous. You may be extremely nervous, but you cannot let it show. Be as confident and respectful as possible!
Step 6: Prove why you should have the job! Take the time to reference specific instances where you have demonstrated the kind of expertise the interviewer/company is looking for. Be an active listener so you know when to interject correctly and timely. Try to use as many successful real-world examples of you solving past problems when tackling hard questions. Make sure you are remaining humble when referencing your past successes but at the same time do not sell yourself short!
Step 7: Follow-up! It is surprising how many people forget about this step when it comes to interviews! When I mention doing a “follow-up,” I am talking about reaching out to your interviewer to thank them for taking time out of their day to hear you out. It can be an email or a physical note, but something should be sent out no later than three days after the interview occurred. Even if you do not land the job this leaves an incredible and professional first impression which is ultimately the goal.
While there are many ways an interview can go, these seven steps can help guarantee a first impression that can seriously impact your future for the better. At the end of the day, people know people and networking is one of the best things you can do to better your professional career. Even if you do not get hired by the first company you got interviewed for, they may know someone who is looking for someone like you. And if your interviewer liked you, they may recommend you. Even if that did not happen, it is still always best to be the best version of yourself because you never know who is watching.