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Jiya Lodaliya
A job interview is a golden opportunity to showcase your talents, skills, experience, and personality to employers. It’s your chance to prove to employers that you are the right fit for that role and the company. However, many candidates struggle with confidence, preparation, or knowing how to present themselves effectively in front of the interviewers.
You need to be well-prepared before an interview to make a great impression and increase your chances of getting hired. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about impressing an interviewer, from preparation before the interview to post-interview follow-up.
Follow these steps, get hired, and land your dream job.
- Pre-Interview Preparation: Setting yourself up for an interview.
1.1 Research the Company and role
Before attending an interview, it is essential to collect all the information about the company and the position you are applying for; the more information you can collect, the more clarity you will have before applying. Employers will appreciate you for the pre-work that you have done before the interview. They will feel that you are interested in working with them and that you clearly understand their vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the company.
Additionally, read the job description carefully and identify how many of your skills match with the description. Research the company’s competitors and industry trends to show that you are aware of the business trends. When you showcase all this homework to an interviewer, they see you as you are well-prepared for this position and serious about the particular role.
1.2 Dress professionally and maintain proper grooming
Your appearance plays a significant role in creating a good impression. Dressing as per the organisation’s culture is essential. If you are interviewing for a corporate job, then a formal attire such as a suit or well-ironed white shirt with a tie and trousers is ideal. For creative startups, you can go with casual.
Apart from dressing, Grooming is also very important. Ensure you trimmed your nails, your hair cut is nice, and your shoes are polished. Avoid excessive accessories and strong perfumes, this might distract from things. Looking professional also means that you respect the opportunity.
1.3 Practice Common Interview Questions
Most interviews include a particular set of questions that test your knowledge, experience, and confidence. Practicing these questions in advance can help you answer them properly during the interview without any hesitation.
Some of the frequently asked questions include:
| Common Interview Questions | How to answer effectively |
| Tell me about yourself | Start with a brief introduction, mention your experience and key skills, and explain why you are a good fit for the role. |
| What are the strengths and weaknesses? | Highlight strengths relevant to the job and mention a weakness you are actively improving. |
| Why should we hire you? | Emphasize your unique skills, achievements, and enthusiasm for the role. |
| Where do you see yourself in five years? | Show ambition and alignment with the company’s growth opportunities. |
The STAR method is a great technique for answering all the above questions ( Situation, Task, Action, Result). It will help you structure your response in a clear and impactful way.
- During the Interview: Making a Strong Impression
2.1 Be Punctual and Confident
The candidate needs to arrive on time on the day of the interview. If possible, reach the venue 10-15 minutes early so that a candidate can make him/ her comfortable with the environment of the interview and even they don’t hesitate at the time of the interview process. If it’s a virtual interview, then you have to check that your internet connectivity is good, or not, the background, and lighting to avoid a technical issue during the interview.
Along with this, they have to greet the interviewer with a handshake, eye contact, and a warm smile. Maintain a good posture during an interview. Remember, whatever you speak shows some confidence.
2.2 Communicate clearly and professionally.
Apart from the professional appearance, effective communication is also important to create a good impression in the mind of the interviewer. Speak clearly nd in whatever language you are comfortable. Learn basic English to deliver your interview. Communication is the medium to understand each other’s thoughts. Avoid adding fillers like ”Umm”, “haan,” etc, to your conversation.
Be clear about the answer that you are giving, and never go off-topic. Apart from the communication, body language also speaks, whether you are confident or nervous. Try to avoid cross language, looking here and there, and not speaking properly. Show some confidence and maintain a good posture.
2.3 Showcase your skills with a real example
During the interview, try to answer the question using real-time examples from your experience by highlighting your skills and achievements. Because interviewers are interested in quantitative terms. For example, they ask you about problem-solving skills, then describe an event that has happened in the past, and how you have brought the solution to those challenges.
Instead of saying,” I helped the company to improve the sale,” Say, “ I implemented a new sales strategy which led to an increase in sales by 30% in 6 months.” Numbers are more important and impactful.
2.4 Engage with the interviewer.
An interview is a two-way conversation rather than a one-sided interrogation. Show enthusiasm for the role and actively listen to the interviewer. Nodding your head and engaging with them in the conversation will create a positive impression.
Asking a few questions that help you stand out from others. Instead of only discussing the organization’s culture, salary, and benefits. Ask questions like:
- Can you describe the team I would be working with?
- What are the biggest challenges in this role?
- How does this position contribute to the company’s long-term goals?
Such questions show that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company’s future.
- Post-interview strategies: Leaving a lasting impression
3.1 Send a thank you Email
Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours is a great way to show gratitude to the interviewer and help them create an impression. In case they have forgotten about you, I can recall the interview with you again. Even in the message, mention the particular topic you enjoyed during the process. All these small gestures help the interviewer create a positive image in the interviewee’s mind.
3.2 Reflect on your performance
After the interview, take some time to evaluate your performance. Think about the questions you answered well and the areas where you could improve. If you are struggling to answer some questions, prepare again for future reference. This reflection helps you become a strong candidate over time.
3.3 Follow Up Professionally
If you haven’t received an update within the given time frame, send a polite message to the interviewer. Express your continued interest in that position. However, avoid sounding like a desperate and impatient person in the message. A well-timed follow shows professionalism and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Impressing an interviewer is easy—it’s all about how you express yourself and the confidence you bring to the table. This blog has covered key points to keep in mind before, during, and after the interview. By following these steps, you can leave a strong impression and increase your chances of success. Confidence plays a crucial role in this process, so prepare well and stay composed.
At Ira Skills, we are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you master the latest skills needed to stay relevant and in demand in today’s job market. Keep learning, keep growing!
