Interviewing is no easy task. It challenges you to expose your knowledge, skills, and personality under intense scrutiny. It’s nerve-wracking, and often, the pressure feels overwhelming. I believe everyone who faces an interview deserves to give themselves credit for putting themselves out there.
While it’s important to stay true to who you are during an interview, there are some practical steps you can take to improve your chances of making a great impression. These tips are drawn from my own experience interviewing candidates.
Schedule interviews strategically
Remember, interviewers are just people. They get tired, they get cranky, and yes, they get hungry. If you can, try to schedule your interview earlier in the day and earlier in the week. This gives you the best opportunity to meet them when they are still fresh and energized. As Daniel Kahneman explains in Thinking, Fast and Slow, mental fatigue can drastically affect decision-making. An interview scheduled for the afternoon or at the end of the week might not be the best time to make your strongest impression.
Prime Your Interviewers
You can use psychology to your advantage here. Priming is a phenomenon where an initial exposure can shape perceptions. Reach out to your interviewers ahead of time to express your excitement about the role and your eagerness to meet them. A simple email or message can demonstrate enthusiasm right from the start, setting a positive tone for the conversation and priming their perception of you.
Be Personable and Friendly
While technical skills matter, personality often plays an even bigger role in interviews. After all, you could have the most impressive resume, but if you’re unable to connect with others, it’s hard to make a lasting impact. Use your introduction as an opportunity to show who you are—candidly and warmly. Greet each interviewer personally by name, with a smile, and establish a friendly rapport from the beginning. A personable approach will make a world of difference.
Use Powerful, Positive Language
Humans are drawn to positivity, and our words have power. The language you use not only reflects your mindset but also shapes how others perceive you. Words that are positive and strong make you appear confident, capable, and motivated. So, choose your vocabulary carefully. Powerful language makes a strong impression. Avoid negative contractions like can’t, won’t, and not.
Keep Moving Forward
Mistakes are inevitable. If you stumble over a word or forget a point, don’t dwell on it. Performance anxiety often amplifies small missteps in our minds, but more often than not, the interviewers won’t even notice. We tend to be our harshest critics. Stay focused, keep your momentum, and maintain confidence. If you pause for too long or obsess over a mistake, it only draws attention to it. Move on with grace and poise.
Share Your Thought Process
An interview isn’t just about providing the “right” answers—it’s about demonstrating how you approach problems and think through challenges. The worst thing you can do when faced with a tough question is to go silent, overthinking in your head before speaking. Instead, share your thought process aloud. Articulating how you’re arriving at your solution will make your answer more insightful and show interviewers that you can think on your feet. This approach will give them a clearer sense of how you work, making you a more compelling candidate.
Craft a Unique Narrative
Let’s face it: interviews can become repetitive, and interviewers often expect a set of canned responses. To stand out, create a unique narrative about yourself—your journey, your passions, and why this role is the perfect fit for you. Even if your story isn’t perfectly polished, authenticity and individuality go a long way. Don’t be afraid to show the human side of your career path.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
When the time comes for you to ask questions, don’t just ask for the sake of asking. Thoughtful, well-crafted questions show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role and company. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about whether this role is a good fit. Additionally, people love to talk about themselves. By asking your interviewers insightful questions, you foster a connection and leave a positive impression.
Present Yourself Professionally
I shouldn’t have to say this, but it’s important: present yourself professionally. Don’t show up in a messy room, wearing a wrinkled shirt or looking disheveled. Clean up, button up, and make sure your background is neat. A clean, tidy, and well-organized space will convey that you take this seriously. Bonus points for adding personal touches in the background—books, plants, or awards you’ve achieved. These little details subtly signal that you are accomplished, educated, and ready to succeed.
Leave a Reply