As a career advisor, I often coach my students on the subtleties of taking part in a formal interview, and how to present their best attributes to the employer. A very important aspect of the interview is in non-verbal communication and knowing how to read these cues. Here are a few pointers on making a great first impression at your next interview:
Know the difference between great eye contact and an uncomfortable stare.
Job interviews are nerve-wracking to begin with and we often unconsciously display our nervousness by forgetting to blink or by looking away too often. Making appropriate eye contact is important because it displays your ability to communicate and hold someone’s attention and also conveys the traits of openness and honesty. Remember to incorporate the 80/20 principle into your interview interactions. Make eye contact with the interviewer at least 80 percent of the time and look away in order to gather your thoughts or recall information only 20 percent of the time. If there is more than one interviewer in the room, make eye contact with all members of the panel, smile, relax, and allow your interactions to be natural.
Whatever you do, do not bad mouth an old boss or company.
Although you may have had a less-than-positive experience at your prior job, bad mouthing a boss or company only indicates to the interviewer that you cannot move on or that you refuse to learn from bad experiences. It is much better to talk about all of the great work you did at that company and a great skill you might have learned while working there.
Listen carefully to the interviewer and think about what he or she is really asking.
Many times, we answer a question with neatly prepared answers to common questions; however, the interviewer may ask a question in order to bring out a personal trait. Ask yourself the following question before you answer: what is the interviewer trying to learn about me? Answer the question in the context of the role you are seeking.
Pay attention to the body language of the interviewer.
It’s a good sign that the interviewer is interested in what you are saying if he or she is smiling, taking notes and asking follow-up questions. If the interviewer seems to be puzzled by an answer, ask if you can clarify it.
A good interview without getting the job.
Finally, remember that sometimes an interview may seem to go very well and you may still not get the job. If this happens, ask the prospective employer for advice on what you could have done differently. Think about how you could have improved your answers so you make an even better impression at your next interview.