How to Act at a Job Interview – Ever felt interviews are like first dates, minus the romantic ambiance?
You’re sweaty, nervous, and desperately hoping you won’t spill your coffee or blurt out something awkward.
Well, fear not!
We’re here to transform your interview experience from nerve-wracking to exhilarating (or at the very least, chuckle-worthy).
Dive into our guide, where we combine essential tips with a sprinkle of humor to make sure you not only stand out but also genuinely enjoy the process.
Because let’s face it – if you’re going to have butterflies, they might as well be dancing!
How to Act at a Job Interview: The Dazzling First Impression Kit
- Dress for the job you want.
Your attire should scream ambition but also fit the company culture.
Unsure? Nonchalantly hang around the office (preferably not with binoculars) to get the vibe.
When in doubt, opt for snazzy. Think James Bond meets business casual.
First impressions are all about balance; neither too casual nor too over-the-top.
Like Goldilocks, aim for just right.
- Other clothing choices to avoid include:
- Denim and jeans should be avoided because it appears unprofessional in most settings.
- Graphic T-shirts, especially novelty shirts or anything with art
- Gym attire like sweatpants
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Poorly fitting clothes or shoes
- Flashy clothes or jewelry
- Stained or wrinkled clothing
- Maintain a neat and professional appearance.
A clean shirt is a subtle billboard saying “I’ve got my life together.”
Creased clothes, on the other hand, tell a sob story of neglect.
While you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy new clothing for an interview, you also don’t want to look like you pulled something off the top of a laundry pile. Make sure your clothing fits well.
Avoid wearing anything that you’ll feel the need to constantly adjust every time you move.
- Avoid strong colognes or perfumes.
Your interview will likely be held in a closed office or conference room with little ventilation.
While you want to be clean and fresh, you don’t want to overpower your interviewer.
You also have no way of knowing if your interviewer has allergies.
Giving your interviewer a migraine, or worse, is not going to leave them with a good first impression of you.
Fun Fact: Our olfactory sense (sense of smell) is linked to memories. You want to be remembered for your skills, not your overwhelming cologne.
How to Act at a Job Interview: Eyes on the Prize.
Eye contact is one of the surest ways to convey confidence when speaking to someone.
If you have problems maintaining eye contact, get a friend or family member to practice with you before the interview.
A Balance Game: Remember, it’s about connecting, not intimidating, staring can be off-putting.
You might occasionally glance down at your resumé to break eye contact.
Be careful about looking towards a clock or the door, or out the window – you might give off the impression that you’re bored or have somewhere else you’d rather be.
- Sit up straight.
Good posture not only demonstrates confidence and a strong sense of self-esteem, but also makes you appear healthier and more in control of yourself.
Channel your inner monarch. Sit regally and confidently.
Visualize: An invisible string pulling you upward, aligning your spine, and voila! Royalty.
Lift your chin and roll your shoulders back so that your shoulder blades are tucked in alongside your spine. Your back should be straight and neutral, not arched in either direction.
- Breathe In, Breathe Out.
Anxiety dancing in your stomach?
No worries.
Deep breathing is your secret weapon.
Pretend you’re inflating a balloon with each inhale and slowly letting the air out with each exhale.
Peaceful, right?
You also might want to try some visualization exercises.
Visualize yourself making a great impression at the interview, or starting your first day at the company.
- Mirror the interviewer’s body language.
During the interview, pay attention to the way your interviewer sits and moves and the hand gestures they use. The more you mimic those movements, the more confident you’ll seem and the better impression you’ll make.
When you mirror the interviewer’s body language, it sends the signal to them that the two of you are in synch. You can use this little psychological trick to make a better impression.
It builds rapport and connection.
Be careful not to mimic your interviewer too closely, or you might come across as creepy.
You don’t want to look like you’re playing a game of charades.
Stick to large-scale movements, such as turning or leaning forward.
Speaking Effectively with Your Interviewer
- Pause before you speak.
When the interviewer asks you a question, take a few seconds to map out your response in your mind before you start talking. This allows you to focus and answer the question appropriately and also can keep you from rambling, it isn’t a rapid-fire quiz show. Avoid using filler or throat-clearing phrases such as “umm” or “you know.”
Use these too much, and the interviewer won’t hear anything you say because the verbal tic is too distracting. Talk to friends and family members before the interview and ask them if you have any verbal tics that you need to keep in check.
They’ll let you know! For example, maybe you say “like” more than you should.
Imagine your thoughts as organized files, and you’re just pulling the right one out.
- Job Interview: How to listen.
Regardless, your best strategy is to outline the key points you want to make in the interview ahead of time. In addition, you also want to demonstrate that you are a good listener and can stay focused on your topic. You have to listen to each question as it is asked and you may also like to take notes.
Then, calmly and confidently answer the question in a way that helps highlight your best qualities.
- Those Classic Questions.
We’ve got you covered with our article about how to answer questions!
No spoilers, but you’re in for a treat.
Did you know there’s a very good way to talk about strengths and weaknesses without sounding cliché?
Dive in!
- Keep your answers clear and concise.
Answer each question directly, and don’t provide any more information than what was asked.
Even if your mind has a tendency to wander, don’t interrupt yourself or go off on tangents. Remember, it’s an interview, not an open mic night.
If a question takes you off guard, don’t be afraid to say so – just make sure it’s not a standard question that is typically asked during interviews or the interviewer will simply think you aren’t prepared.
Share, don’t overshare.
Don’t talk too much about your life, beliefs, or hobbies – unless, of course, you’re asked about them specifically.
Bring up past successes where you think it appropriate.
But also make sure that you are consistently showing how these past achievements can bring value to your next employer.
- Lost in Translation.
Confused by a question?
Seek clarity.
It’s better than diving into a monologue about the wrong topic.
A good way to start is with “I hear you as saying.”
If the interviewer acknowledges that your understanding is correct, you can go on with your answer.
If you were off-base, they’ll clear it up for you.
Make sure you thank them for the clarification before you proceed.
- Use hand gestures.
Hand gestures make you appear more confident and sure of what you’re saying.
You’ll also give the impression that you’re energetic and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Avoid throwing your hands around like you’re swatting invisible flies.
You don’t want to seem like you are trying to overpower or intimidate the interviewer.
Avoid reaching into their personal space.
- Positive Vibes Only.
The interviewer will no doubt ask you questions about your previous employer, or other experiences that may not be positive for you.
Discuss past experiences with grace.
Even if your previous boss was the Voldemort of the corporate world, be careful not to say anything negative or critical about previous employers or co-workers.
If you focus on the negative, it sends the message to your interviewer that you might be difficult to work with, or not respond well to criticism.
If you parted ways with a previous employer on bad terms, present it as a learning experience.
Explain what you learned and how it made you a better employee.
- Motivation.
Why would you relocate to another country?
Look for your own reasons as long as you believe in them.
Focus on better career growth, the experience of living abroad, culture, food, language, etc.
- Provide specific examples.
The interviewer may ask you fairly vague or general questions, but they expect you to respond with specifics.
Rather than telling the interviewer what kind of employee you are, use examples to show them.
The Strategy: Use numbers or specific events.
Don’t lie in your interview or exaggerate your accomplishments.
If you don’t remember specifics, admit this or provide a brief explanation as to why.
- Tell the truth.
Lies and exaggeration will come back to haunt you.
- Watch your grammar.
Employers are interested in candidates who can express themselves properly.
Even if you have to go slowly and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred over ungrammatical fluency.
- Smart Questions.
Dive into our article for this one!
Remember: An interview is a two-way street. Your questions can impress as much as your answers.
How to Act at a Job Interview: How to Wrap Up and Get Out.
How you end the interview depends as much on how you start it.
In fact, both are important, as these are the two things that interviewers always remember.
So to end your job interview make sure you shake a firm hand, look into the interviewer’s eyes, and say:
“Thank you so much for your time. Nice to meet you and learn about the role, and I look forward to hearing about the next steps.”
You can also ask for a business card so that you can call or email the interviewer later if they do not provide you with a response within a reasonable time frame.
Also, consider asking what time frame to expect, so you can plan ahead.
- Interview Etiquette
Organize your information ahead of time.
Dive deep into the company’s ethos.
You’re aiming for Employee of the Month vibes from day one!
Knowing the company’s values shows initiative and genuine interest.
Fun Fact: Did you know most interviewers are impressed when you can cite the company’s recent achievements?
- Carry writing materials.
The writing materials you may carry include a pen and book.
You can write short notes about the organisation in your book, which you can review as you wait for the interview to begin.
You can also write your ideas in the book before saying your answers aloud, to help you organise your ideas as you respond to the interview questions.
This can help you provide comprehensive answers which may impress the interviewers.
- Get there early.
You may have heard the adage that “if you’re on time, you’re late.”
Show up 10 to 15 minutes early so you aren’t rushed and you don’t keep the interviewer waiting.
Punctuality is a silent compliment.
It says, “Your time is valuable.”
Planning to get there early also gives you plenty of time in case something happens.
It won’t be the end of the world if you can’t find a parking place or accidentally go to the wrong floor.
- Greet everyone politely.
When you show up for your interview, you will likely talk to a number of other employees before your interview starts, such as the receptionist or another clerk.
Spread niceties like confetti.
From the janitor to the receptionist, everyone matters.
If the interview goes well, you may one day be working alongside these people.
The interviewer also may ask them their impressions of you after you leave.
If you make a bad impression on them, they may tell your interviewer about it anyway.
When meeting people have a nice firm handshake and look people in the eyes
At a professional level this gives the best impression.
Also maintain eye contact throughout the interview as it creates a nice rapport.
- Smile/laugh.
Most companies are now looking for the character and personality that overall fits the team.
So it’s not only about the skills.
When you smile, the other person can feel it, and if it’s a video call/face-to-face, then even more likely for them to like you even better.
Nowadays people like to joke, and have fun in an interview.
- Turn off your cell phone.
At no point, either before or during the interview, do you need to be looking at your phone.
If you do, you’ll give the interviewer the impression that you have somewhere more important to be, or someone more important to talk to.
You also shouldn’t keep your cell phone or any other device out in the open or in a place that’s visible.
Carry a small bag or purse, or keep your cell phone and any other devices tucked into your pocket.
This will show the interviewer that you’re present and engaged, not waiting for a text about tonight’s dinner plans.
- Follow Their Lead.
Let the interviewer be your dance lead.
Tango, anyone?
You’ll make a better impression if you allow the interviewer to control the space and the interview itself rather than walking in like you own the place.
Don’t enter the room or sit down in a chair until the interviewer invites you to do so.
When you’re asked a question, wait until you’re sure the interviewer is done talking before you start.
If they interrupt you, stop talking and listen to what they have to say before you continue.
- Show enthusiasm for the opportunity.
The interviewer needs to know that you want the position and are genuinely interested in working for the company.
If you’re excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity, your attitude may overcome any flaws or causes for concern on the part of the interviewer.
Show gratitude to the interviewer at both the beginning and the end of the interview.
Thank them for their time and for sitting down to talk with you.
At the end of the interview, take the time to let them know specifically that you are interested in working for the company, and ask them what the next stage in the interview process will be.
- Keep fidgeting in check.
It’s natural to fidget when you’re nervous, and the interviewer knows that.
Try to sit as still as possible.
Keep something in your hands so that you won’t be tempted to play with your hair or drum your fingers on your leg or the arm of the chair.
If you have problems with your legs bouncing, try to keep both feet on the floor, or place your folder with your documents on your lap for a little added weight.
When you’re not talking, keep your hands flat on your lap.
You may want to adjust your position, but try not to move around too much. If you’ve crossed your legs, avoid crossing and uncrossing them frequently.
- Avoid eating or drinking during the interview.
The interviewer may offer you a drink or a snack, either before or during the interviewer.
Generally, you want to avoid eating anything at all, even if your interviewer is eating.
It’s hard to answer “What’s your greatest strength?” with a mouthful of cookie.
A glass of water is fine, and can help you keep your throat clear.
You can also take sips of water as you pause to collect your thoughts.
- Think about body language.
Brush up on what certain body language conveys.
Be aware of what you’re communicating through your posture and stance—and make sure it’s good.
For example, sitting with your arms and legs crossed sends a message that you are closed off or feel defensive.
Think your movements through ahead of time so you’re not distracted (or distracting) during the interview.
If you’re on video, think about how you’ll show that you’re actively engaged in that format.
Putting the Zoom window near your camera so you’re not looking away from your interviewer, for example, or making non-verbal gestures or expressions to show that you’re listening without cutting off their microphone.
Don’t expect a job offer at the first interview.
Often you will be invited to a second or even third interview before an offer is made several weeks later.
- Summary
There you have it – your own roadmap to interview success.
Remember, interviews don’t have to be the adult equivalent of a trip to the dentist.
Approach them with confidence, a touch of humor, and the preparation we’ve walked through together.
Be authentic, be yourself, and let your unique light shine.
After all, if interviews were dates, this guide ensures you get that second coffee outing (and maybe even a long-term relationship with your dream job!).
Go rock it, and may your interviews be ever in your favor!