Arrive Early

While this may appear to be common sense, arriving early to an interview will always make a good first impression. It shows that you are punctual, eager, and respectful of the interviewer’s time. So, it goes without saying that if your interview is scheduled for 9 am, arrive by at least 8.50 am. If you have a long way to travel, you can always aim for even earlier, take a walk around the block or find a nearby coffee shop to kill some time.

Dress appropriately

Again, this seems like common sense. But while it might be obvious, it does help to do your research so that you feel confident you’ve dressed the part. You might like to ask your recruiter or look through the business’ website and social media to determine the workplace’s dress code. Do people wear suits, or business casual? If you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t be afraid to overdress; just ask someone for help. Your confident first-day self who knows what they’re wearing will appreciate your effort.

Practice makes perfect

It’s not uncommon to feel nervous about your upcoming interview. Take your time, practice how you want to respond to common interview questions, and most importantly, relax! If you are successful with your interview, you may only be the new person for a short period. Eventually, there will be another group of fresh faces coming in after you—and you’ll be feeling comfortable in your element in no time.

Take time to get to know everyone

There’s a good chance that there are a few people present in your interview. If this is the case, make an effort to introduce yourself to everyone in the room—even if they’re not interviewing you. A great way to break the ice is by asking about their role within the company and how long they’ve been with the organisation. It’s also key that you have prepared questions to ask your interviewers. Things like how would they describe the company’s culture, what success in the role you are interviewing for looks like, and what they love most about working for the organisation is a great start.

Making a good first impression at an interview takes practice

The first impression you make during an interview can mean the difference between getting your dream job and disappointment. So, be sure to choose a suitable outfit, set your alarm to arrive at least 10 minutes early, and practice, practice, practice. This way, you’ll have time to relax and take a deep breath before the interview begins.