Regardless of the ever-changing job market landscape, one undeniable truth remains: Interviews are about creating an exceptional first impression.

In today’s job market, which often resembles a roller coaster ride, many individuals are exploring new career opportunities and considering career transitions. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re likely pondering the skills that recruiters value, anticipating potential interview questions, and strategizing your approach to salary discussions. When it comes to negotiating aspects such as compensation, benefits, retirement packages, and vacation time, there’s a laundry list of things that HR professionals typically won’t explicitly disclose. Nevertheless, before delving into compensation negotiations, it’s crucial to make a positive impression, and that process commences the moment you step into the room or join a virtual interview on platforms like Zoom. We consulted with experts to identify the key elements that interviewers pay attention to:

Punctuality

Whether it’s a phone interview, a video conference, or an in-person meeting, punctuality is non-negotiable. If it’s an in-person interview, arrive approximately 10 minutes early and factor in extra time for potential traffic, parking, or public transportation delays. If your interview is over the phone or via video chat, adhere to punctuality standards.

Video Call Considerations

Given the prevalence of initial video interviews, even for positions that will eventually involve in-person meetings, adequate preparation is essential. Connecting effectively through video is often more challenging than face-to-face interactions. Consequently, you must exert extra effort and pay meticulous attention to details to leave a favourable impression. Good lighting is crucial. Position yourself so that the light illuminates your face rather than having your back to a window, and consider investing in a ring light if natural lighting isn’t available. Equally important is the sound quality; ensure you have a high-quality microphone to ensure the interviewer hears you clearly. If you are using a mobile phone service ensure you have a stable internet connection. Regardless of the video platform you use, practice connecting beforehand, and fine-tune your settings and microphone, you can’t be interviewed if you can’t connect and be seen and heard.

Your Environment

When you’re on camera, your background plays a significant role. If your home office is located in your bedroom, make sure your bed is out of the frame, tidy up quickly, and avoid clutter like overflowing laundry baskets or an open closet behind you. You might even contemplate temporarily rearranging furniture to create a more professional backdrop. While some personal items can spark conversations, it’s best to keep your background reasonably clear to avoid visual clutter. Additionally, strive to minimize background noise and interruptions. If you’re outside of your home for the interview, choose a location with minimal distractions. A noisy coffee shop, for example, is not ideal and will certainly give the impression that you haven’t thought about it.

Your Full Attention

Maintain a focused mindset in the lead-up to your interview, whether it spans minutes or hours. Are you fully engaged? Do you employ a habit tracker for last-minute preparations? Has this concentration been carried into the interview itself? While it’s acceptable to take a sip of water during the call, avoid excessive drinking of water or coffee. Ensure you’re well-hydrated and have eaten beforehand, preventing a situation where you’re hastily eating last night’s dinner 10 minutes before the interview. Staying adequately hydrated in the 24 hours preceding the interview can enhance your cognitive function, helping you maintain composure throughout.

Thorough Research

Interviewers can swiftly gauge a candidate’s level of preparedness and engagement in the interview process. Be prepared and don’t be surprised if the interviewer uses a stress interview approach that incorporates challenging or intimidating questions. These queries are designed to create an uncomfortable or stressful atmosphere, such as inquiring about the candidate’s perception of the interview’s progress, the number of other jobs they are pursuing, or their response to criticism from a supervisor. Stress interviews serve as a means to evaluate a candidate’s ability to handle pressure, a critical skill sought by recruiters. If a candidate cannot respond to such questions or lacks knowledge about the organization, it’s likely not a suitable fit.

Presentation

How you present yourself reflects your personal brand. This encompasses your dress, verbal communication, and tone of speech, all of which contribute to conveying a story about your brand. The impact is immediate upon introduction, but you can establish your brand’s foundation before even greeting the interviewer. A little-known hiring secret is that companies pay close attention to this aspect. Cultivating your brand both online and offline, ensuring it genuinely reflects your values and identity will pay dividends. While many modern companies are less stringent about interview attire, it’s wise to strike a balance between authenticity and respect for the company culture. A quick review of the organization’s website or social media can provide insight into their dress code expectations, with business professional or business casual typically being a safe choice. If in doubt ask the recruitment consultant.

Confidence

Confidence is a key factor in making a lasting impression in both interviews and the workplace. Interviewers seek poise, authenticity, and confidence in a candidate’s abilities, which in turn instils confidence in the interviewer’s recommendation. Walking into an interview with self-assurance and belief in your skills enhances your chances of projecting power. However, it’s essential to maintain a balance between confidence and arrogance. To boost confidence, consider listing your proudest achievements and vocalizing them before the interview. Alternatively, reach out to a trusted friend or colleague for insights into what sets you apart at work, as this can provide a valuable self-esteem boost before the interview.

Energy Levels

Interviewers desire candidates who exhibit enthusiasm for the potential job opportunity, maintain a positive outlook, and convey their curiosity and willingness to learn. They are less likely to be drawn to individuals who appear disinterested or fatigued. However, expressing energy requires a degree of awareness and practice. Allocating 15 minutes prior to the interview for meditation or using a meditation app to clear your mind and alleviate nervousness if you tend to get anxious. (Search the web for apps and information on the subject including Mindfulness.) Preparing for an interview also involves self-care, which may include activities like running, meditating, or even listening to motivational music to put you in a positive mindset. Visualization techniques, envisioning yourself accepting the job offer at an appealing salary, can also help create a positive mental state.

Selling Your Skills

The interview provides an opportunity to promote not only your technical skills but also your soft skills. A good way to help clarify this is to see how you are professionally perceived by seeking feedback from former colleagues about what they valued most in your contributions. Then you can conduct a self-assessment to identify key elements that have facilitated your career success from your own and the perspective of others. You should confidently discuss these aspects during the interview; humility isn’t particularly advantageous in this context. While professionalism is essential, don’t overly polish your responses. Authenticity is prized, and interviews are more akin to conversations than rigid corporate exchanges, as Floyd emphasizes.

Reading the Room

Interviews may appear straightforward, with one party posing questions and the other responding. However, the process is intricate and nuanced, requiring a high degree of emotional intelligence. Quality conversations involve two individuals who possess strong listening skills. While you likely already know what not to say during an interview or in the workplace, can you effectively gauge the conversation’s dynamics? Observe the interviewer’s behaviour closely. If they seem disinterested in your response, conclude promptly. If they appear confused, provide additional context. If they seem distracted, make efforts to re-engage them using a different anecdote, or more animated body language, or simply ask if you have provided a good example or if would they like you to answer with another. Mastering the art of reading the room is a fundamental aspect of interview success.