First impressions happen quickly. During the interview process, there may be several times when you’ll introduce yourself, including at the reception area, to a recruiter, to the hiring manager and during interviews. There are a few guidelines you can follow on How to Present Yourself Properly During Interview To help you navigate the process, we identify best practices when introducing yourself, followed by examples and tips.
How do I stand out in my first interview?
Many factors are involved in a job interview. You have the power in your hands to turn the table around and save the day if you follow a set of prerequisites to present yourself and stand out at your first interview.
Research About the Job and The Organization:
Before your interview, research extensively about the job and the organization. This research will help you understand the vision of the founders of the organization and position yourself according to it.
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Research the types of questions asked in the interview. Tell us about yourself is the most common yet dreaded question. You must have key information points in your head before you appear for the interview.
Your First Impression is Key:
You must work on how can I introduce myself in the first interview? Your appearance, timing, and attitude are most important. Let’s look at these factors individually.
- Appearance: Crisp, well-ironed dress, clean look on your face, hair properly gelled or combed well, and most importantly, shining shoes; that’s how you should appear in your job interview.
Your desirable appearance will automatically open up the hiring manager, as well as the other staff to your personality. It will also add charisma to your personality and will uplift your spirits, resulting in a higher rate of interview success.
- Timing: Don’t be late. Arrive at least one hour earlier at the premises where the interview is being held.
If you are having an online interview, then connect to the application before time. Check your audio/video settings and make sure they work fine during the interview. Keep a backup as well; just in case.
Arriving early has its advantages. You get to feel the atmosphere of the organization where you are going to spend a considerable time of your life. Also, it gives you a chance to interact with the lower staff and understand the nuances of the culture there.
- Attitude: Use magic words and occasionally when you arrive at the venue. It will warm up the staff to you which is important for your growth in the organization. Introduce yourself properly to the receptionist:
“Hi, I’m Michael. I am scheduled to appear for the interview for the data analyst position at 11:30 A.M.”
Thank her promptly when she shows you directions to the lobby or the office. Or helps you in any other way.
Apart from that, stand up when the hiring manager appears or someone calls your name.
- Shake hands: Shaking hands firmly with the interviewer. Your grip exudes confidence. Limp handshakes are not approved by the hiring managers and it immediately puts them off.
During The Interview:
You must take care of the following factors during the interview:
“Thank you [name], for giving me this opportunity. I have always dreamed of working with you.”
Don’t forget to smile occasionally during the interview.
- Introduce Yourself: Prepare a short introduction of yourself and practice it either with your friend or in front of a mirror. It should flow naturally and should not come off as stiff. Your introduction should be short, concise, and interesting.
- Speak Confidently: Stuttering while talking about your skills will position you as a weak candidate. Feel confident in your education and hard work. Speak calmly but confidently about your achievement and show the interviewer that you will be an asset to the company.
- Be Relevant: answer questions about the job position and how you will add value to the system. Bring forward relevant points from your resume and show your expertise without droning on about your accomplishments.
- Eye-Contact: Do not look away from the interviewer. Your gaze should be steady yet respectful. Eye contact is considered crucial in job interviews. It shows off whether you are timid or a confident person.
One thing to make sure of is that don’t become self-delusional or disrespectful in your tone of voice. Your body language speaks volumes about your character and attitude. Remember that the organization is looking for not only skills but someone who will grow together with the company.
10+ Phrases that are better not to say in an interview
Below are some of the phrases that you should avoid during your interview.
1. “I have already booked tickets, departure in 2 months”
Personal leave, sick leave, and annual leave are among the first topics on the list of things not to say in an interview because asking about the weekend before being hired shows that this job is not on your priority list.
2. “My previous boss was a psycho”
Do not express dissatisfaction with your previous employer, salary, bonuses, or direct supervisor. Your reasons for quitting may be understandable and even sympathetic. But this will not last long, because sooner or later the interviewer will stop thinking about the other side of the story.
In addition, complaints also show a lack of coping mechanisms and communication skills. The interviewer will ask why you did not discuss this problem with your superiors or colleagues
3. “I’m nervous”
The interviewer expects you to be prepared. Admitting that you are nervous will indicate a lack of preparation. Yes, it’s normal to be nervous during an interview, but don’t talk about it out loud because the interviewer will think you’re not confident in your skills. Worse, admitting to nervousness can make it worse.
If you want to say something like that, it’s better to say “I’m inspired” because nervousness and inspired excitement have similar symptoms.
4. “I don’t have all the skills necessary for this job”
Don’t admit your weaknesses or say you’re underqualified for a job unless you’ve been asked. The interviewer decides whether you are suitable for this position or not. If you are invited for an interview, there is a good chance that you will be accepted, even if you do not have any qualifications.
Also, don’t talk about your past mistakes at work until you’re asked how you handled the failure.
5. “Can I work from home?”
The question about alternative modes of work will cause negative emotions if it is asked before you got the job. The place and mode of operation are usually indicated at the bottom of the vacancy, but if not indicated, you can modestly inquire.
“Please tell me the working hours”
“What is the usual working mode in the company?”
6. “What does the company do?”
A question about the company’s affairs indicates a lack of initiative. The interviewer may think that you are not interested in the job and are wasting their time.
Do not ask this question unless the company is new and has no presence on the Internet. In rare cases, you can emphasize that you searched for the information but could not find it.
7. “I don’t have a babysitter”
You should not tell the interviewer about your family and transport problems. Some may understand your predicament, but what if you meet someone who sees these complexities as incompatible with the company’s priorities? Besides, you won’t be able to concentrate at work if you don’t have a reliable babysitter or something.
8. “This job is an excellent springboard for my dream job”
With this phrase, you create the impression that you will not stay in this position for long. Even if that’s true, you don’t want the interviewer to think you’re not committed to the company’s long-term growth.
Ask about career growth or training opportunities. Show that you are determined to promote not only your own interests but also want to bring the company benefit from your professional growth.
9. “Good tie/watch/jewellery”
An attempt to reach out to the interviewer will always seem contrived, regardless of the sincerity of the statement. Don’t do this.
If you really want to “melt the ice”, learn more about the interviewer and find something in commonplace of study, hometown, or hobby.
10. “I’m not really looking for a job”
A corporate recruiter might lure you in for an interview even if you have a good job. But it doesn’t matter if you agreed to come. If you came, it means that you are ready for new opportunities, so don’t say that you are not looking for a job. The interviewer may think that you are arrogant or just wasting his time. In any case, this is not the effect you want to achieve.
11. “I have no questions”
By saying this, you will show your insecurity. A well-prepared, confident applicant always has a question at the end of the interview. The quality and quantity of your questions will show your level of attention during the interview.
Conclusion:
Always remember to end your interview on a good note. Stand up when the interviewee does and shake hands with them even if there were glitches during the interview. You can also say a few words like:
- It was so nice meeting you.
- I am glad we had this meeting.
- I am honoured to know more about your job role.
Be polite and ask for their business card for future correspondence. Respect and politeness will take you a long way ahead.
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