There are many ways to make a great first impression. Unfortunately there are also many ways to make a bad one. So, to have the best chance of succeeding at interview you should be well prepared in advance.

Top Tips I’ve learnt From 20 Years in Recruitment

The first impression a potential employer has of you is normally through your CV. So, make sure you submit a CV that is impactful and authentic.

Click here to read our top tips on how to create a great CV.

You may be surprised to know that another first impression of you can be through your social media.

Therefore, if your social media is full of photos of wine bottles and parties (not here to judge!). Or quotes about dreaming of duvet days (again not judging!). We would suggest making it private during the time you are searching for a job.

Alternatively, use your social media to your advantage – show off your skills and unique personality. But keep it relevant to the job.

Even if you can get a cookie from your forehead to your mouth in under 30 seconds. It might not be the first thing you want your future employer to know about you. Although, between us that is pretty impressive!

The Most Important First Impression to Make is in Person

Getting to the interview stage is hard – your CV has had to be amazing and your references supportive. So, this is not the time to be complacent.

All the normal pieces of advice apply;

• Be on time
• Dress appropriately
• Have good eye contact
• Smile!

These are the basics, but they’re always important, and easy to forget.

Be Insightful

Then I think the most important behaviour in an interview is listening, this makes a great impression.

Starting at the very beginning – introduce yourself and then listen to their name/s, and their titles/roles.

Referring to their names and asking relevant role specific questions, demonstrates that you were listening to them from the outset.

Also, really listen to the questions and think about how to answer them in a way that would be relevant to that specific role.

For example, if you are really sociable and organised, and a key part of the job is event planning. Consider how these can be used to your advantage e.g. creating guest lists and connecting people as they arrive.

I think it is also important to ask good questions – ones that show you have been listening. Or questions that demonstrate you really want to be successful in the role.

For example you could ask “What would make me successful in my first six weeks in the role?”

At The End of Your Interview

Finally, at the end of the interview you should thank the interviewer for their time.

Often, the time between an interview and the final decision can be up to 3/4 weeks.

In this instance, sending a thank you letter can be an added nice touch. Reiterate why you would love the job and what makes you believe you could be successful.

Even if this is not the role for you it will leave a great first impression for any roles come up in the future.

If you’re looking for a great opportunity, head over to our jobs page now to see all of our current vacancies!

Alternatively, you can email your CV through to recruit@turnerfox.co.uk or call 01623 656 303.

Happy job hunting and good luck!