5 Ways to Impress at Any Job Interview

Interviews can be nerve-racking, especially when they're for your dream job. Unfortunately, it isn't enough to just show up on time, do some quick googling, and throw on a tie (though that is a start). You have to be able to make a great impression visually by being well dressed and well groomed. You also have to impress on a deeper level by researching the company thoroughly and showing some charisma. Sounds hard, right? Well, it doesn't have to be. By following the tips that I have compiled below, you will be prepared to take on the interview with undeniable confidence so you can land the job you want. Let's get started.

1. Look Your Best

You may think that you can dress casually because you're applying for a startup that has a laid back reputation, but you'd be wrong. Every company worth working for values presentation. They want your work to be well presented, and the best way to assure them of your commitment to that, is to present yourself well at your interview. Use your upcoming interview as an excuse to pamper yourself. Get a new haircut, a new suit, and even some new shoes. Whatever makes you look and feel confident will be a worthwhile investment.

2. Research, Research, Research

If you want your future employer to take you seriously, you need to show them that you take them seriously. First, go to the company's website and check out things like their mission statement and their frequently asked questions page. Make sure you know what the company is all about. Next, scour Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter to learn personal things about your co-workers. Especially pay attention to management because they will be the ones interviewing you. Doing this can prevent awkward moments like accidentally insulting your interviewers favourite sports team. Lastly, research job reviews on sites like glassdoor. Don't take every interview to heart but if you read enough job interviews you'll be able to notice patterns which will help you better prepare questions for your interviewer.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

There are two ways you can do this and I suggest you do both. Firstly, look over this list of the most common interview questions. You don't need to prepare a bunch of canned answers but give each question some thought. Secondly, do some mock interviewing. It would be best to make an appointment with a career specialist at your local school if they offer free mock job interviews. However, if this is not something you can do then ask a friend or at the very least practice in front of a mirror.

4. Prepare for, "Tell me about yourself"

You will almost certainly be asked this tried and tested interview question, so it's best to prepare for it thoroughly. If you can nail it, you'll be off to a great start. But be sure to show off your best (and most relevant) dimensions.  The interviewer doesn't want to hear about your favourite baseball team or if you're a dog or cat person. They want to know who you are professionally. Think about your career path up until this point chronologically and leave out anything you can't make relevant to the job you are interviewing for.

5. Be Confident & Charming (To Everyone)

This final tip is for the day of the interview. Assuming you followed the first four tips you shouldn't have any trouble with your confidence. You look your best and you're well prepared. Now all you need to do is make sure you give everyone you meet a firm handshake, smile, and look them in the eye. The reason I say everyone is you never know if the secretary or anyone else has the ear of your interviewer. Impressing them can move you to the top of the candidacy list. Similarly, if you come off as rude to them it won't matter how well your interview goes when they tell your boss you seem like a jerk.

Be You

Having found and read this article says a lot about who you are as a person. It says that you put forth the effort for success – because you know putting in the work matters. Make sure that side of you shines through at your next interview, and you'll own it. Did I miss any other great interview preparation tips? If so help each other out by sharing with us in the comments below! Author: Billy Stidham, Lead Content Marketer at Wordify.