Updated 5/24/24
Nervous about an upcoming interview? Don’t stress. You already proved you’re qualified just by landing the interview. Now you just have to make a great first impression, which is where the next wave of nerves comes in for most of us. But just read through the tips below to show up with confidence for your next interview and make a great first impression!
1. Make Yourself Stand Out
Hiring managers interview many, many people, which makes it difficult for them to remember every candidate. The most successful candidates always leave strong impressions. You’ll never do as well as the candidate with your same level of work experience who managed to stand out and stay in the mind of the hiring manager or committee on a personal level.
2. Understand the Responsibilities of the Position
Study the job description and picture yourself performing the required tasks. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge of the job by relating it to your own experience. Even if you have extensive experience in the field, it’s important to not skip this step as the reality is that it could always go to someone less qualified for the job, but more prepared for the meeting.
3. Be Prepared and Relaxed
Have all of your paperwork organized in advance, and try to arrive for your interview at least 10-15 minutes early. Not only will this create a good impression, but it allows for plenty of time to relax and mentally prepare for the interview.
In a video or phone interview, sit in a quiet environment where no one will bother you, and always test your computer and applications beforehand. Look directly at the camera instead of the screen so your interviewer can look you in the eye as you’re speaking.
4. Ask Questions
Asking questions during an interview shows a candidate’s interest and curiosity, and is one of the best opportunities to make a great first impression. You can ask questions about the organization itself, as well as questions about the position. Though you might not have a chance to ask them all, it’s a good idea to have at least five questions ready.
Here are some examples of the questions you can ask:
- What are some goals and objectives for the organization for the next year?
- How does the organization expect these objectives and responsibilities to be met?
- What are the obstacles commonly encountered in meeting these objectives?
- What role will this position play in meeting those goals?
- What are the measures to judge success in the role?
- What kind of support and career growth can I expect from the organization?
- How would you describe the company culture?
- Does the organization have any plans for expansion?
5. Establish the Next Steps
If your interviewer doesn’t bring it up themselves, it’s a great idea to broach the topic of the next steps in the hiring process – what their timeline is like, whether or not you should follow up with them, etc. One last important opportunity to take to reiterate your interest in the job is to thank the interviewers for their time with a concise ‘thank you’ email within 24-48 hours of the interview.
A job interview is still going to be a tough and nerve-wracking experience for most people, but with these tips and a little practice, everyone can make a great impression!
Click here to find more information on job interview tips, resumes, cover letters, and career advice on education positions.
To find out more about K-12 education jobs and opportunities, visit https://olasjobs.org/jobs
