You only have one chance to make an impression when meeting a hiring manager. Getting to the interview stage of the hiring process can be tough, but once you land an interview you have the opportunity to potentially get the job. Learning how to impress the hiring manager or team by acing the interview is an important skill to get the job you really want. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the others.

 

Prepare for your interview. Although this may seem like a no-brainer, many job applicants do not prepare enough to win over an interviewer. In order to connect with the hiring manager or team, you have to understand who they really are and why they are interviewing you. They are not there to waste time. Rather, they are there because they want you to be the right fit. You just have to prove to them that that right fit is you. Make sure you know what the position you are applying to really is, including the expectations, requirements, and company culture.

 

Polish your resume. You may have plenty of work experience and successes in key areas, but it will go overlooked unless your resume can market both you and what you have accomplished. The best resume should be tailored towards the job that you are applying to and show off the skills that relate to the ones that you would use in the position you are applying to. Additionally, it is important to understand what your resume says in case you get directly asked about something on your resume during an interview.

 

Be professional. If the company requires its employees to dress business professional, you should do so for your interview too. If the company allows its employees to dress informally, there is still merit in dressing business casual or at least dressing nicely to your interview. Arriving on time or early shows the interviewer that you care about getting the position, and it never hurts to be nice to the receptionist as well. Make sure your cell phone is off and avoid chewing gum. When you meet the hiring manager or team, speak clearly and conversationally. Make sure to ask questions, smile warmly, and shake hands with anyone you meet at the company.

 

Follow up after the interview. Although there is no proof that this will guarantee you the job, it is a nice gesture and leaves an impression that may set you apart from other candidates. The thank you can come in any form, whether you send an email or mail a letter. If you talked to the interviewer about something specific that you feel like is worth mentioning again, now is the time to do so. After you thank the hiring manager or team, all that’s left to do is be patient and wait.

 

Best of luck! The UGA Career Center has resources to help students prepare to take on an interview, like practicing a mock interview administered by a Career Consultant. If you are looking for more tips, check out the UGA Career Center’s website.