How to Impress at a Job Interview

You will likely experience a feeling of elation when invited to a job interview. However, it might not be long until you feel a pang of fear that another candidate might receive your dream position.

To set yourself apart from other applicants and convince an employer you’re the right person for a role, follow these top tips on how to impress at a job interview.

1. Dress to Impress

It doesn’t matter if you’re applying for a job at a fast-food restaurant or a CEO position at a large organization, you must dress to impress. Wearing smart clothing will prove you care about the job. It will also provide an employer with confidence that you can embody their brand.

If you’re unsure what to wear to an interview, ask the hiring manager in advance about the dress code or research appropriate clothing ideas. If in doubt, follow the rule that it’s better to overdress than underdress for an interview.

2. Show a Genuine Interest in the Company

The job market is more competitive than ever before due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite February 2020’s job market remaining steady, the outbreak led to millions of people losing their jobs in the weeks that followed. There were reportedly 6.6 million unemployment claims in the week ending April 4^th.

As a result, you will likely be competing with many people for a job, which is why you need to impress at an interview to stand apart from other applicants. However, a potential employer might be underwhelmed if you show next to no interest in their company.

To prove to an interviewer how much you care about securing a position at the brand, you could ask the following questions:

• What is your brand’s biggest accomplishment?
• What skills and values do you expect an employee to possess?
• Why do your employees choose to remain loyal to your organization?

You also should familiarize yourself with the brand’s history, products, and services. By doing so, you can prove to an employer that you have a genuine interest in the company and you could answer their questions with ease.

3. Be Prepared for Almost Every Question

While it is impossible to know the exact questions an interviewer might ask, some common questions could point you in the right direction.

For instance, a prospective employer might ask:

• What are your biggest weaknesses?
• Why would you like this job?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Why should we hire you over another candidate?

Think carefully about each question and aim to be professional, honest, and positive with your answers. It will prove you are serious about enjoying a career at the brand and that you have made an effort ahead of an interview.

While the interview process can be nerve-wracking, you must have confidence in your ability and possess a friendly, professional demeanour. Plus, if you follow the above advice, it’s possible you could blow other candidates out the water and land your dream job.