How to Make a Great Impression in an Interview

The interview is often the final hurdle in landing a job, and it’s your golden opportunity to show a potential employer that you’re the perfect fit. But how can you make sure you’re leaving the best impression? We asked top recruiters for advice on how candidates can shine during an interview and secure that job offer. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Do Your Research

One of the quickest ways to make a great impression is to come prepared. Recruiters emphasize the importance of researching the company, the role, and the industry. When you show up knowledgeable about the organization’s goals, culture, and recent developments, you’re truly invested in the opportunity.

What to research:

• Company background: Understand the company’s mission, values, and products or services. The company’s website, social media pages, and recent news articles are good starting points.
• Role-specific knowledge: Study the job description closely and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the position’s requirements.
• Industry trends: Demonstrating awareness of the broader industry shows you are proactive and forward-thinking.

Recruiters love when candidates ask thoughtful questions based on their research. For example, you might ask, “I saw that your company recently expanded into new markets—how does that impact the role I’m applying for?”

2. Show Enthusiasm and Positivity

Recruiters often mention that enthusiasm goes a long way in making a strong impression. Showing genuine excitement about the role and the company makes you stand out from other candidates who may go through the motions.

Enthusiasm isn’t just about what you say but about your energy and body language. Maintain eye contact, smile, and stay engaged throughout the conversation. According to Harvard Business Review, positivity is contagious and can help you build rapport with your interviewer.

3. Highlight Your Unique Skills

Your interview is your chance to show what sets you apart from other candidates. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the role and explain how they will add value to the company. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers to behavioral questions. This structured approach helps you clearly demonstrate your skills and successes in real-world situations.

For example:

• Situation: “At my last company, we were facing a drop in customer satisfaction.”
• Task: “I was tasked with improving our response time to customer inquiries.”
• Action: “I introduced a new customer support software that streamlined our process.”
• Result: “Our response time improved by 40%, and customer satisfaction ratings increased by 15%.”

This method helps you connect your past experiences to the company’s needs.

4. Be Ready for Common Interview Questions

While every interview is unique, there are a few common questions that you can expect to encounter. Being prepared to answer these confidently will help you make a great impression.

Examples of common questions:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why do you want to work here?”
• “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
• “Can you give an example of how you’ve overcome a challenge at work?”

Keep your answers clear and concise for each question, highlighting how your skills and experiences are relevant to the role. Practicing your responses ahead of time will help reduce nerves and ensure that you present yourself confidently.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of an interview, the recruiter will likely ask if you have any questions. Don’t pass on this opportunity—it’s your chance to learn more about the role, and it shows that you’re seriously considering how you could contribute to the company.

Ask thoughtful questions that go beyond salary and benefits. Consider inquiring about company culture, team dynamics, or the future of the role. For example:

• “What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?”
• “How do you measure success in this position?”
• “What opportunities for growth and development does the company offer?”

These questions show that you are thinking critically about how you can impact the role.

6. Follow Up After the Interview

Recruiters agree that following up after an interview can help reinforce the positive impression you made. Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview shows courtesy and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

In your follow-up, express gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the role, and briefly mention a key point from the interview that stood out to you. For example:

“Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I’m very excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to your upcoming projects. I was particularly impressed by the company’s commitment to innovation and am eager to bring my skills to such a forward-thinking environment.”

A personalized follow-up leaves a lasting impression and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.

7. Be Yourself

Finally, recruiters emphasize the importance of authenticity during an interview. While preparation and professionalism are essential, letting your personality shine through is also important. Employers are looking not only for skills but also for a cultural fit. Showing who you are and what makes you unique helps interviewers see how you might contribute to the company beyond just your qualifications.

Tip: Be genuine, confident, and transparent in your answers. If you don’t know the answer to a question, admitting it and offering to follow up later is okay.

Conclusion

Making a great impression in an interview requires a balance of preparation, enthusiasm, and authenticity. You’ll stand out as a strong candidate by doing your research, showcasing your skills, and engaging thoughtfully with the interviewer. Remember, interviews are a two-way street—so ask questions, be yourself, and follow up afterward to leave a lasting positive impression.