So, you’ve been invited to a job interview for your dream role. Your potential employer is already likely to be impressed with your skillset and experience and sees you as having the potential to add something to their company.

Unfortunately, they feel the same way about numerous other high-quality candidates. This means that making a memorable face to face first impression in the interview is crucial to setting you apart from the rest of the applicants.

So how do you optimise your chances of getting that all important successful call back once the hiring process is over?

Do your research

You’ll almost inevitably be asked what you know about your employer, and it’s highly likely that your top competitors will have thoroughly read up on the company, so it’s essential to do the same. Thoroughly study their website and all social media channels. Note services, significant dates, awards, charitable affiliations, company values and staff culture.

By looking back through social media feeds you can potentially find interesting and unique company content that would surprise your interviewer and demonstrate you have a greater interest in the organisation than your rivals.

Be prepared to answer questions

Study the job description thoroughly and pre-prepare how your work experience and skill set relates.

Consider what examples in previous employment (or education) you can use where you have successfully and effectively demonstrated a particular skill that the company has asked for. Describe the positive results of what you achieved and be clear in how this is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Rehearse your answers across every individual requirement highlighted on the specification.

Remember that while the questions interviewers may ask can vary considerably, there are common ones that are likely to come up. Prepare your best possible responses to these in order to be thoroughly prepared.

Remember, you have the advantage that you already know what they’re looking for, so be ready to give them the answers they want to hear!

Be Prepared To ASK insightful questions

Just as the depth of research will demonstrate your interest in your employer’s business, so will the quality of questions you ask. Therefore, always prepare some thoughtful and unique ones that will demonstrate your interest in the organisation, the level of your background study and your enthusiasm to join the team. Questions can range from asking what would constitute success in the role, to enquires about company culture.

Asking about the hiring interviewers’ experience in the company is also a great way to get them talking. They may assume they have a connection with you as they are discussing their own personal appreciation of the business, and must like you as a candidate considering they are spending time essentially selling the job to you!

Demonstrate Your Unique Abilities

If you have something you feel especially good at that could be beneficial to the role, then this is definitely the time to highlight it.

Sell yourself on any transferable skills that you have developed and how they could help the company. It may be something that they currently have to pay to outsource where you can now save them money, or an ability to adapt to multiple roles to cover other employees.

Offering something EXTRA to the company is a great way to give you the advantage during the final selection process.  

Consider your Body Language

Think about your body language to make a positive first impression. Ensure an upright posture and maintain it when sitting. Open hands and arms convey a relaxed, confident and trustworthy personality while maintaining strong eye contact (around 60% of the time is optimum) will demonstrate confidence and interest.  Avoid crossed arms as you are creating a barrier and projecting defensiveness and insecurity, while excessive movements indicate nervousness.  

Always Be Positive

Hopefully you’re exited at the prospect of working at this new company. Make sure this comes across. Whether this is from responding to an interviewer, of painting a picture of how you would enjoy working for your new employer, focus on highlighting what excites you, what areas of the role you would enjoy and how you would fit in.

Likewise, ensure you present a positive and respectful impression of any previous employment, bosses or co-workers. If you are willing to talk badly of another employer, an interviewer may feel you could ultimately develop the same attitude towards their company, and share the experience.  

Demonstrate Your Personality

You’ve got called in for an interview because your CV states that you have the skills and experience that the employer needs to fill the position. This will be the same for all other applicants though. The truth is that people mostly hire people they like, who they can picture comfortably working with and who would fit into the company culture.

Be open and authentic about yourself. An interview is a great opportunity to show who you are beyond your qualifications. It can therefore be helpful to prepare a few personal facts about yourself that will demonstrate your interests and values. So, use any fascinating hobbies or talents, impressive charity work, or stories that show you in your best light. This will make to you particularly memorable.