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How to Impress, Blow Away, and Convince a Recruiter During a Job Interview

By Yann, published on 25/05/2019 Blog > Professional Development > Personal Development > Tips to Win Over Any Recruiter on a Job Interview


A job interview is a nervewracking experience that causes many sleepless nights; answering the questions posed correctly, making an unforgettable impression within the first few minutes, and highlighting your strengths and weaknesses are all reasons to make even the most confident person anxious.

Nevertheless, there is no need to fret about an interview until you have been contacted. Also, according to recent statistics, if you are asked to interview, you are one of the 20% of applicants; good work!

Without further ado, to prepare those who have just scheduled an interview, Superprof has the goal of showing all interested ones the correct steps to blow the socks off any recruiter!

Know the Company Like the Back of Your Hand

To write a more customised cover letter beforehand, it is essential to know crucial information about the business such as the environment of the company, its positions in global markets, its philosophy, members of management, and its overall economy.

social media reputation If you include your Facebook and Instagram account on your CV for a further reference be sure that your “e-reputation” is clean. No one wants to hire an overactive partier. (Source: pixabay)

Also, other noteworthy facts about the company may include the number of employees, areas of expertise, economic turnover, past and present customers, geographical areas of activity, and products or services offered by the business in question. 

Above all, information about the personnel will dazzle recruiters: the median age of employees, the variety of activities organised internally, and the amount of teamwork conducted.

By staying informed with the company, employers may already view you as a member of the team!

The primary goal is to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and that you’re serious about a job position at the company.

However, a problem may arise; how do I find such information? The internet. Since we are living in a time known as the information age, thousands of relevant articles about the business we are learning more about are available at our disposal.

By visiting the company’s official website, information such as the names of the leaders, the foundation date, and some snippets on its economic growth are acquired. Also, by learning about the company’s primary customers and competitors, an overview of the market is available.

While the company’s site provides valuable data and statistics, explore their social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 

Finding an unbiased blog or informative site about the company provides interviewees with a bigger picture of what happens within this business. Also, by asking thought out questions to the recruiter about the atmosphere of the company, interest is shown that may put you apart from the rest.

Before concluding this section, it is essential to state that carefully verifying your “e-reputation” is crucial; some less than flattering photos after a night of drinking at the pub could make you look unprofessional and foolish!

Dress to Impress: Look Classy, Not Trashy

Your style of dress and carefully chosen pieces of clothing is a crucial element for a successful job interview. Of course, your choice of dress dramatically depends on the job position for which you are applying.

Some experts would suggest that your style of dress should make you feel confident, be striking, and give off a triumphant air to recruiters. 

the best jobs Your style of dress needs to be adaptable. For example, you wouldn’t wear jeans and a t-shirt to apply for a job in business and finance. (Source: pixabay)

By choosing clothes that you feel comfortable in, stress is avoided, and a relaxed vibe is emphasised that puts everyone at ease; recruiters included!

However, it is essential to reiterate the fact that you should dress for your profession. For example, if you are web developer applying for a job at a tech company in Silicon Valley, a suit and tie may come across as being too fancy and put employers off. On the other hand, if you are seeking employment at a law firm in posh London, jeans, a white shirt, and a bomber jacket might be too casual, and you might appear unprofessional.

Therefore, to get that coveted job, adaptability in your style of dress is crucial. 

Also, it is essential to state the modesty must always be practised since all recruiters much appreciate it. Clothes that are too tight and too revealing make interviewees look cheap without any true integrity. Remaining neutral is always the best choice.

It may seem ridiculous to many, but in today’s world, where personal appearance takes precedence over interpersonal skills, every candidate must stand out and from the others with their style of dress and grooming while at the same time remain modest and be adaptable.

Nevertheless, many may pose the question, does our style of dress and grooming really matter that much to recruiters?

Well, since the job market is extremely competitive and flexible, an employer will most likely opt for a candidate whose gestures, clothing, and hygiene is better than the rest. Recruiters want their employees to represent their company positively; therefore, sloppy and inappropriate clothing should be avoided at all costs!

The Importance of Non-Verbal Body Language

In many situations, it’s not quite enough to find the right words to convince a recruiter that you are best suited for the job. I’m sure you’ve probably heard that body language and nonverbal communication represent up to 90% of the message you want to convey.

To start things off on the right foot, offer a pleasant greeting with a firm handshake; who won’t appreciate this? 

The primary goal of a handshake is to ensure the recruiter that you trust in yourself and your abilities. The first impression is crucial since it is what recruiters will remember for days to come.

So don’t shake your hand too frantically, instead, grasp the employer’s side in an energetic and frank manner, without breaking their bones; that won’t help you get the job! Also, eye contact during the handshake is of the utmost importance.

getting the job A firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile are greatly appreciated by recruiters. (Source: pixabay)

Continue the greeting by uttering a formal statement such as, “Hello Mr, Good morning Mrs.” Remember to smile and let them see your glistening white chompers!

Since body language is fundamental, one must sit correctly in the interviewee chair and avoid slouching. If standing, it is recommended to stand up straight, slightly bent forward and with your feet flat on the ground; no one likes someone who fidgets!

Do not be afraid to make appropriate hand gestures that emphasise your point made or show agreement to what was said by the recruiter. Since employers and recruiters have interviewed hundreds of people, they have become body language masters and will seek to interpret your gestures to determine the type of person you are.

Hands crossed are a sign of detachment, lack of interest, and absence of confidence. On the other hand, open arms and gestures suggest eloquence, ease of communication, and favourable interpersonal skills. 

While asking and answering questions, it is advisable to take care of breath control to help manage stress and convey confidence.

Avoid stammering, studdering, and mumbling when asked essential questions; short and sweet answers go a long way! Also, it is better to include crucial details when asked personal questions, don’t relay your whole life story since the recruiter doesn’t have time.

Avoid flinching and overdramatic facial expressions when discussing your salary. Keep it cool and chill, bro. 

The following are a few body movements and gestures that need to be avoided entirely during an interview:

  • DO NOT hide your face or mouth with your hand,
  • DO NOT always touch and readjust your tie’s knot,
  • DO NOT scratch your neck and other body parts,
  • DO NOT lean onto the desk and get too close.

The previously mentioned gestures to avoid are only some tips. Fortunately, not all recruiters are looking for the slightest flaws in body language movements; it’s your personality that counts at this point. 

Nevertheless, how should one dress for a job interview?

Arriving at the Job Interview

The big day that you’ve been preparing for has finally arrived and you’re more nervous than ever before! To ensure success and prevent your nerves from getting the best of you, arriving on time is critical.

Punctuality on job interviews cannot be stressed enough.

How can you convince a recruiter that you’re perfect for the job if you arrive late? 

Arriving late is one of the primary weak points observed by recruiters since it is a sign of seriousness and overall interest, which can be crippling to the interviewee.

For all critical meetings in life -recruitment interviews, doctor’s appointments, weddings, funerals, and first dates- it is better to arrive early and plan a longer travel time than usual.

During an interview, your heart is already throbbing at 3000 beats per minute; therefore, arriving late only adds to the anxiety. By being prepared and being punctual, the stress of the interview will fade, and you might be yourself; not a nervous wreck!

Since the importance of punctuality has been stressed enough, it is time to focus on the interview and what you will say. It is highly recommended to briefly describe your educational background and your previous educational and professional experiences.

Since each interview is distinct and every job sector is unique, it is essential to highlight information that is relevant to the job in question. 

During the job interview, do not hesitate to address topics such as extracurricular activities, languages spoken, volunteering completed, and passions. Some may ask, is this that important?

The answer to the previously posed question is an outstanding YES! Explaining some relevant facts and information about yourself adds colour to your application and sets you apart from the rest. Also, it is essential to state that when people speak about topics that interest them, they can control their voice, relax their body movements, and their real personality shines through.

Anticipate Destabilising Questions

It is essential to mention that not all the questions asked during an interview are easy. Many items might focus on your weaknesses, your future goals, and abilities to commit to the company; this aspect makes the job interview more stressful!

Therefore, to avoid mumbling, blushing, and other embarrassing moments, it is vital to anticipate and practise the challenging questions that may be asked. The following are some prime examples of potential issues asked:

  • What is your most prominent fault?
  • What is the best quality you possess? Give me ten merits and ten faults,
  • What interests you about our company?
  • Where do you see yourself in the year 2025?
  • Why do you think we should recruit you in comparison to other interviewees?
  • What are your salary expectations?

The previously mentioned questions are only a few, recruiters may ask many more. Also, to ensure the fact that you’re more worthy than the rest, do not hesitate in sending a thank-you email or note the next day; all much appreciate this small gesture!

Finally, in conclusion, do not forget to use the interview as an opportunity to remind the recruiters of your determination and willingness to join their teams!


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