8 Ways to Impress a Hiring Manager in a Job Interview

August 30, 2023 | 5 min read

Tandym Group

Congratulations! You finally got an interview with the company of your dreams. Now what? You must prove to the hiring manager not only why you’re qualified, but why you are a better fit than the other candidates. To do this (or even get invited back for a second interview), you must make a positive, lasting impression. Here are some sure-fire ways to rise above the pack.

Be confident

While the pressure of a long job search may make you nervous, it’s important to convey to the hiring manage that you are confident in your ability to be successful in the role. To do this, you must believe it yourself. Review your resume and practice explaining how your skills and past experiences allow you to meet the job’s expectations. Once you master this, your confidence will shine through. Read also: 5 Resume Tips + Tricks To Get You Hired

Be aware of your body language

Job interviews aren’t only about what you say. Nonverbal cues are a critical part of a hiring manager’s overall impression of you. Negative body language like fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, and crossing your arms can reveal if you are feeling anxious, bored, or closed off. On the other hand, positive body language can help demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the role. Read also: Bad Body Language Behaviors To Avoid During An Interview

Examples of positive body language

Maintain eye contact
Show that you are listening
Practice strong posture
Smile
Watch your gestures

Do research

Employers are interested in candidates who have taken the time to research the company. To begin your research, check out the company website and learn about their business model, the products/services they offer, and their mission statements. You can also utilize Google and other news sources to educate yourself about how the company competes in its industry.

It’s also important to have a full understanding of the position you have applied for, so you’re able to explain how you can best help the company achieve its goals. Remember, you want to show the hiring manager that you’re excited about the opportunity, and you are prepared to hit the ground running.

Examples of things to research before a job interview

The company’s culture, mission, and values
Clients, products, and services
Key leadership
Skills and experience the company values
Recent company news and relevant industry trends

Embrace adaptability

In a business landscape where many companies are facing a skills shortage and are achieving more with limited resources, adaptability stands as a crucial quality in a prospective employee. To make a strong impression on your interviewer, articulate your eagerness to acquire new skills and embrace fresh responsibilities. Additionally, emphasize previous instances where you effectively coordinated tasks across different departments.

Set a hook

Given that hiring managers often interact with numerous candidates for a single role, it can be challenging for them to recollect every individual they meet. To ensure you stand out to a hiring manager, devise a standout element that you can subtly incorporate into your interview. Whether your hook is tied to an external hobby (like “avid triathlete”) or an unconventional detail about your professional journey (such as “lead marketer at a startup who also handled talent recruitment”), it should be memorable and paint you in a positive light.

Highlight transferable skills

Hiring managers are likely to retain only a handful of succinct and impactful moments from the interview. Unfortunately, the negative ones are typically easiest to recall. As a result, it’s essential to avoid interview responses that start with phrases like “I haven’t,” “I can’t,” or “I don’t.” If your interviewer asks you a question in an area where you lack experience, always share an alternate applicable experience that showcases your skills or your ability to learn.

Example of how to answer an interview question about a skill you don’t possess

Interviewer: “Do you have experience with software XYZ, which is commonly used in this role?”

Candidate: “While I haven’t had the opportunity to work directly with software XYZ, I do have a strong background in similar software applications. For instance, in my previous role at [Previous Company], I extensively used a comparable software to achieve [mention specific tasks or projects]. I believe my ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies will enable me to grasp software XYZ efficiently and contribute effectively in this role.”

Ask good questions

It’s a sign that an interview is about to wrap up when a hiring manager asks, “do you have any questions for me?” Declining would mean missing an opportunity not only to showcase your interest in the role, but also to further assess whether this is the right fit for you. As a result, it’s vital to ask some good questions of your own.

Examples of some good questions to ask in an interview

What does a typical day or work week look like in this role?
How do you envision a new hire contributing to the team?
How is success celebrated on the team?
What learning and development opportunities are available to employees?
What’s your favorite part about working here?
Are there any concerns or questions I can address about my background?

Say thank you

It’s always best to send the hiring manager a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview. This seemingly simple gesture carries a ripple effect that extends beyond mere politeness. It reaffirms your genuine appreciation for the opportunity and underscores your commitment to the role.

Example of an interview thank you note

I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Position] at [Company Name]. The conversation provided valuable insights into the role and the company’s goals.

I was particularly impressed by [Specific Aspect Discussed], and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to such impactful initiatives. The [Company’s Unique Value or Culture] strongly resonates with my professional values.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.