Did you know that “33 percent of bosses know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether they will hire someone”? It’s true. To make a positive first impression and solidify yourself as frontrunner you must first understand what interviewers are looking for. Here are some things interviewers want every candidate to know.
Be Likable
Although the term “likable” is inherently subjective, it’s easy to tell whether someone is likable or not. You can effortlessly relate and build rapport with them. You feel comfortable around them, and they’re generally easy to get along with.
This is the number one thing interviewers are looking for and something you should aim to achieve during your interview.
How can you be more likable?
- Smile
- Use correct body language
- Maintain eye contact, but don’t stare
- Show you’re interested and listening by nodding
- Be polite and respectful
- Don’t interrupt
Exude Positivity
This piggybacks off our first point. It’s hard to be likable when you’re brimming with negativity and don’t have a nice thing to say about anyone. Try to avoid complaining and speaking poorly of past employers. Also, offer genuine compliments when the situation calls for it.
Dress the Part
Undercover Recruiter reports, “65 percent of bosses indicate that clothes could be a deciding factor between two almost-identical candidates.” That’s significant. It should come as no surprise the clothing you wear to your interview can have a tremendous impact on your interviewer’s perception of you. So always wear appropriate attire for your industry.
They Want Authenticity
You never know how many candidates an interviewer will meet with before making their final decision. After a while, many candidates simply blur together, and there’s often a lack of distinguishing features.
What interviewers want is for you to stand out from the rest of the pack. They don’t want some “robotic” candidate who’s a dime a dozen. One of the best ways to accomplish this it to simply be authentic and allow your unique personality to shine through.
Here are some other specific strategies:
- Develop an amazing portfolio to bring along
- Be energetic and enthusiastic
- Answer questions with specific examples
- Tell a story that ties into the job you’re applying for
- If possible, research your interviewer and/or company culture and look for commonalities that you share
There are several things interviewers want you to know, but they can’t say it outright. Understanding what they’re looking for can make you look like a more appealing candidate and increase your odds of landing the job.
Want to accelerate your job search and find opportunities in your area? Get in touch with Encadria Staffing Solutions today.