How To Impress In An Interview

You might look good on paper, but you must impress in an interview and ensure you stand out. Your CV could be the best on the shortlist, but requirements vary from job to job. There are qualities that all employers will look for when evaluating candidates.

Take a look at these five things employers look for that can help you land the job.

Our Vacancies

1. Having the Education and Skills

The first element that will impress is having the correct education and skills to match the job. However, how can you demonstrate your education and skills in an interview?

There is a difference between highlighting your knowledge and gloating.

Show, don’t just tell

Are you an organised and communicative person with a knack for problem-solving or completed a professional qualification? Apply these skills and qualifications to your current and past responsibilities. Tie these in with your CV to ensure the interviewer sees your competency.

Use the lingo

All industries use their unique terminology, so try to include some of this in the interview where it is applicable. This is a good way to showcase your knowledge within your field and impress the employer.

Ask questions

Make sure you are prepared with questions to ask your interviewer to demonstrate that you are interested in the role. Ask questions specific to your skills or that show a deeper understanding of your industry and the company you are interviewing with. You may want to ask about the company culture, or a specific process or project.

2. Passion for the Role

You could be the most qualified person for the job based on your CV, however, if your interviewer doesn’t see that you’re passionate about the role and industry, then your chances decrease.

While you don’t want to appear overeager, you should show enthusiasm while listening and responding carefully to questions. Being authentic, open and honest will allow the interviewer to get to know you and your passion will shine through naturally.

3. Seeing You as Cultural Fit

When employers begin interviewing candidates, they are also looking at which candidate would be a good cultural fit for their company. Since every organisation is different and has different values, the employer will divide whether you fit in with these core values and the culture of their organisation.

It seems straightforward, but hiring for cultural fit doesn’t mean hiring people who are all the same, as companies should reflect a diverse workforce. For an employer to see you as a cultural fit, they will evaluate whether you:

• Understand the company’s culture and core values
• Have a passion for the industry, and not just employment in general
• Will work well and fit with current employees

This is just as important for the candidate, so be honest and showcase your personality to find the best fit for yourself as well.

4. Motivation and Commitment

If you are applying for a job, then you will likely be motivated and keen to be successful, but employers often deal with CVs from job seekers who have been sending out resumes in bulk and are eager to work for any company.

While these people may still be motivated to give the job all they’ve got, the employer is looking for someone who is committed to their company. As a top candidate, emphasise the reasons you had behind applying for the role to show your motivation and then convince employers you are committed to their company for the long haul. This is important as the employer wants to ensure they are not wasting valuable resources in hiring you, and feel confident about investing in you as a dedicated long-term employee.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability

Maintaining a certain degree of flexibility to adapt to business changes is a key trait that employers look for in top candidates, as the big picture in an organisation can change week to week, month to month.

Employers are looking for employees who can adapt to business changes and are flexible when and where it’s necessary. This might refer to a periodic influx of working hours, or perhaps taking on responsibilities that weren’t in your job description. Top candidates will be willing to embrace potential changes and make the most out of them.

Employers want to be sure that an employee can respond to changes quickly, calmly and efficiently. You can highlight your experience in working flexibly and adapting to changes and elaborate on that and explain how you adapted and why you were happy to do that.

More Interviews Tips