Job interviews can be stressful! It’s your once chance to show what a perfect fit you are for the position. The first impression is an important one—most interviewers decide in the first few seconds whether or not they like what they see. The better prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be, and the more likely it is that they’ll invite you back for another round—or better, offer you the job. Here are seven tips for improving your interview performance.
Research
Learn as much about the company and the position as you can before you go in, and mention some of that information during the interview. Thorough research shows that you’re genuinely interested—a trait any hiring manager likes to see. Find out exactly what the company does, the scope of the position you’re interviewing for, any current events about the company, and some details about its leadership.
Know your strengths
Talk about your skills and qualifications and how well matched for the position you’re interviewing for. If you don’t have a lot of relevant hard skills, focus on your soft skills—communicating, problem-solving, and work ethic.
Talk about successes…and failures
They’ll want to hear about your accomplishments—how did you handle pressure and see a project through to the end? But failures are just as important. They’ll want to hear about what you learned and how you rebounded from the low point. Did you move on quickly or wallow in self-pity?
Rehearse your answers
You know a lot of standard interview questions already, so start practicing those responses. Tell me about yourself. What’s your greatest weakness? What interests you about our company? Where do you see yourself in five years? Dig deep, think hard, sound confident and enthusiastic. 
Ask great questions
Show that you’re thoughtful and thinking ahead—don’t simply ask about salary and benefits. In fact, don’t until they bring it up. Instead ask about professional development, what they expect from you in your first 90 days and six months, and what the greatest challenges have been for your potential role.
Dress for success
Remember: this is your only chance to make a first impression, so dress well. Wear a suit, tasteful jewelry and makeup, and show that you have what it takes to represent the company well. Make sure your outfit is clean, pressed, and fits well. Avoid heavy scents, noisy jewelry, and bright colors or patterns that might be off-putting.
Write a thank you note
Not everyone writes a thank you note to their interviewers, but you don’t want to lose out to someone else just because you neglected to write one. Send one—either an email or snail mail—within 24 hours of your interview. Thank them for their time and consideration, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company, and mention anything you forgot to say during the interview. And take one last sentence to reiterate how well suited you are for the job.
For more tips on how to make a good first impression, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh