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How can I make a good first impression?

In the past, I've always done my best to be presentable during job interviews but I could never seem to get one in the can, and I have a feeling the way I make myself out to look has something to do with it. Any tips?

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David’s Answer

When I apply for a job, I always dress in a suit and tie (except in very rare cases). I want my prospective employer to know I'm serious about the job and I want it.

I focus most of my interview on what I can bring to the organization. If I have specialties, I try to explain how my specialties can help the company rather than just bragging about what I can do. For example, if the company has expressed interest having me work on social media marketing, I focus on past accomplishments in the marketing field and how my training & experience would allow me to help the company.

It's important to project assertiveness without being aggressive. Knowing you're competent and able to function in the environment is different than coming off as the "best" at a particular function.

I once rejected an acquaintance for a job because, rather than telling our hiring board about what he could bring to the table or showcasing how he would fit into our team, he said "I just want to make everyone else be as good as me." This is a clearly not a team player, and his application was rejected as such.

I've also had to turn people I thought would be a great fit for a job away because their interview was garbage. In most cases, the interview is the only time senior management gets to meet you and know about you. Sure you wrote all that stuff down in your application packet and resume, but most of the people interviewing you haven't read it all. Tell them who you are, what you have to offer, and how it meshes well with what the organization is looking for moving forward.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Read the job specification/requirements thoroughly. Identify your qualifications and experience that meet the requirements. You may need to emphasise these points in the interview
2. Do research on the company background and recent news. The interviewer may ask you questions on this.
3. Prepare the clothes for the interview in advance. Make sure it is appropriate for the post
4. Plan for the transportation you are going to take on the interview day. Try one time if possible. Be punctual.
5. Be polite and sincere in the interview. Also, be honest if there is question you don’t know but show you are willing to learn
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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PwC’s Answer

Make sure to find a shared interest with the interviewer and remember that they’re people too! Ask follow up questions if you have them and try
to be personable.
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PwC’s Answer

Ask questions related to news in your practice. For example, "how does the company use AI?" This shows that you’re interested in the real world issues/news.
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PwC’s Answer

Make it conversational and ask questions! For example, after answering "tell me about yourself," end with something like "and i'd love to learn more about you!"
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Bailey’s Answer

Try to be as professional as you possibly can. Put time and effort into your resume. Also take the time to research the company you are applying to. Write a very thorough cover letter that includes information that you have researched on the company. Bring a copy of the resume and cover letter to the interview. Dress professional. Once you are in the waiting room do not use your phone at all. Bring a note bad to write down notes. Have questions ready for the interview.
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Sikawayi’s Answer

Hello Natilius, this is a great question. I know of a lot of young people who have this same problem when they are getting ready for an interview, to start with is yourself but if your usually over the top tap it down a little. Secondly when it comes to the attire for the interview, I would say dress in the kind of items you like just dress the items up. I say that because when/if you get the job, they will notice if you really look like that or were you just trying to just get a job. Best of luck
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Smitha’s Answer

Research about the company you are interviewing with. Own your story. Prepare to answer questions around why you want to join the company, how has failure helped you/or shaped you as a person. Speak slowly, it doesn't matter if you are conscious about your accent. Smile when you speak.
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PwC’s Answer

Research the company beforehand to be able to answer questions about why you would want to work there.
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Amina’s Answer

Job interviews are stressful but commend you being reflective and looking for ways to improve your performance. It is possible that the previous interviewers may be able to share with you the reasons behind their decision as well so you could reach out for feedback. Hiring decisions involve more than the candidate themselves so don't be too hard on yourself. In the meantime, prep for your next interview by practicing how you answer common interview questions and preparing questions for the interviewer. When the moment arrives, put on a professional outfit that makes you feel confident, put on a smile, and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon I will take this to heart. Looking back on it, I always was a bundle of nerves during the process so next time I will try to remain cool headed and headstrong attitude. Thank you for the suggestion. Natilius
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Kim’s Answer

Don't be too hard on yourself! Don't say, " I've had three bad interviews." Each interview stands alone, and, if the person conducting the interview did not put you at ease, that's on them. I've known people who walked into work one morning and were handed a stack of applications and told, "you're doing interviews today." Just like we're not all good at being interviewed, they aren't all good at conducting them!

After each interview, review it in your head. identify what you felt went well, what didn't, and why. While the purpose of the interview is to land the job, it's not the sole determining factor of how well the interview went. It's entirely possible there's other reasons you didn't get it.

Do some REAL "practice" interviews. Interview for jobs you really aren't interested in. It will help loosen you up a little. And, you might discover something along the way that you are interested in after all!

It's a skill that takes time to develop!

Kim
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Ryan’s Answer

Hi Natilius!

I love the answers that everyone else is saying - and completely agree with them. It is very important to be professional in both your appearance and your preparation for a job interview. With the amount of information out on the internet about companies, industries, and people these days there is really no excuse to not come to an interview fully prepared. Additionally, I like the answer around doing "practice" interviews - it does not even take another person to do this - just write down the questions you hear or think you will hear and look in a mirror as you respond.

I would also like to add that making a good first impression is also all about how you treat others when you meet them. In an interview, the people that are asking the questions are looking at the value that YOU provide to THEM....they are less interested in the value that you want from them. If you make the conversation more about how you can improve their business and their work life, then you will find that they are going to be interested more in you than if you talk more about yourself.

I hope this helps!
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Bella’s Answer

My biggest interview tip is to prepare several thoughtful, well-researched questions beforehand. This is relevant no matter what field you're interviewing in--it proves you're applying for the position or program for a reason, and that you're serious about it. For example, when I was interviewing for the job at Stanford that I have now, I asked a question that went something like: "When I looked into your lab, I saw that you published a paper last year about the importance of mentoring in scientific communities. Good mentorship is a requirement for me when entering any position, so could you please tell me about your mentoring style and how you plan on helping me grow towards my goals?" This shows two things: (1) That I have put the time into researching my interviewer/company/etc., showing that I'm serious about wanting this position, and (2) That a good fit goes both ways and is beneficial for both parties. This helps interviewers to feel more engaged and like you're entrusting them with responsibility, not just the other way around. Hope this helps!
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Naomi’s Answer

Hi Natilius,
I know some of this is already described above, but I'll list them again, they are that important.
- Be on time - Or a little early
- Be prepared/do your homework - learn about the company and people you are interviewing with thru the company website/s, the Linkedin pages for the people you will be meeting with.
- Ask questions/show interest - Ask about the position you are interviewing for, ask about a day in the life of this position. Ask what their company culture is, so you can tell if the company is a good place to work.
- Follow the STAR Method - The STAR method is a structured way to respond to behavioral-based interview questions. (https://www.vawizard.org/wiz-pdf/STAR_Method_Interviews.pdf)
Situation - Ex. Tell me about a time when you had to convince your peers or co-workers to work on a project they didn’t want to do. How did you handle it and get everyone to work together.
Task
Action
Result - Talk about how you failed and grew from that. It was not a weakness, it’s an opportunity.
- Physical Appearance: Ensure you are clean and dressed your best
- Ask a final question - Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to be awesome at this job?
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Prajwal’s Answer

Well Groomed, Good Attire and Smile
Thank you comment icon Thank you. I always try to look my extra best, but the advice is extremely appreciated. Natilius
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PwC’s Answer

Be your authentic self and come prepared with questions to get to know the organization!
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Atul’s Answer

Dress appropriately for the position you are applying for. For instance: you do not need to wear a suit anymore for a software development job (business casual will do), but in the finance industry, it is expected that you wear a suit w/ tie.
Secondly, make eye contact and give firm handshake w/o hurting if the interviewer is female.
Smile and do not be nervous (sweat is the first sign).
Do rehearsal of the interview by recording yourself and see if you are making eye contact and giving answers without hesitation.
Prepare/anticipate what questions will be asked. Be succinct in your answer.
Make sure there is no odor/fragrance of any kind (hair gel, heavy use of cologne, sweat, etc.)
Shine your shoes or get a new one for the interview (dress shoes are required).
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PwC’s Answer

Come prepared and be ready to answer why do you want to work with us. Understand your resume and be able to answer behavioral questions. Most important of all be yourself and be normal! Just think of it as a conversation they want to see you’re someone good to work with.
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