Tips on how to make a good impression at the job interview

<<As on first dates, in job interviews, we want to wow the other person and smoothly say whatever he or she wants to hear. In both cases, sometimes the clever one-liners don't work, and the topics of conversation that we thought would flow so well get stuck. These occurrences are usually followed by mortifying why-did-I-say-that moments.

And these are the moments that can send your job interview into a crash-landing type of ending.


Read on to pick up some tips to make your first "date" with a potential employer a pleasant experience and a match made in career heaven.

1. Think Before You Speak.

Many times, interviewers will ask interviewees why they should hire them. Here, the interviewer usually gets two types of responses.

The first one is the dull, run-of-the-mill answer: "Because I'm a hard worker, I'm easy to work with, and I like your company." Have you fallen asleep yet?

The other type of response can be quite potent. Job seekers, in their desperate need for a job, sometimes get a little delirious when asked questions like this, and they go buck-wild. They blurt out unique answers (that sometimes come off as odd), attempting to stand out from the herd.

Avoid saying things like "Because you have great healthcare benefits, and my husband is very ill" or "Because I will make a great addition to the company bowling team." Whether or not you mean for these comments to be lighthearted, they can make you look unprofessional or just plain foolish.

2. Fit the Mold.

Obviously one of the most important elements (if not the most important element) in convincing an employer to hire you is proof. Now, how do you communicate that proof in an interview? By strategically preparing your response.

Prior to the interview, you should study the job ad very carefully. Pick out all of the job requirements and think about how you fit into them. You may need to get creative, but in most cases, it can be done. Then, when the interviewer asks why you should be hired, you can list the requirements while slickly tying in how your own strengths and skills cater to those requirements.

This approach is simple and direct. It just lays everything out for the employer so he or she has no reason to believe you cannot do the job.

3. Be Yourself.

I'm sorry. This does sound cliché, doesn't it? But it's true...to an extent. Yes, be who you are, but if you have bad manners, brush up on your handshake and eye contact and get it together.

During your conversation, the interviewer might ask about your hobbies, make a comment about the weather, and so on. These small moments are great opportunities for your personality to shine. Show the interviewer that you have an easygoing, friendly personality in your brief responses. It can speak volumes about who you really are and how you will handle certain circumstances at work.

See the following articles for more information:

• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
   
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
   
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
   
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
   
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question