Impress the Hiring Manager in 5 Minutes With These 7 Strategies

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


The typical job interview gives you an hour or less to sell yourself as the best candidate for the position, so it's important that you impress the hiring manager from the start. From the first handshake to the final farewell, make sure you leave a lasting impression with the hiring manager using these seven strategies.

1. Show up Early

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive to the interview destination, find parking and check in with the receptionist. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to gather your thoughts without feeling rushed. Don't show up any earlier though, as it may throw off the hiring manager's schedule.

2. Be Polite to Everyone

Be courteous to everyone you encounter, whether it's the doorman in the lobby, the receptionist at the front desk or the well-dressed executive you encounter while washing your hands in the restroom. Hiring managers have been known to ask their receptionists for feedback on candidates, and that executive from the washroom could be the CEO of the company.

3. Offer a Warm Greeting

When the hiring manager greets you, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Offer a genuine smile as you introduce yourself. Engage in small talk as you make your way to the interview room, even if it's about the weather.

4. Bring a Flawless Resume

Tailor your resume for the position and the organization. Include quantifiable data to show your skills and focus on your past achievements. Use keywords from the job posting and the company's mission statement to make your resume relevant. Remember to bring several copies of your resume to the interview.

5. Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare some questions ahead of time to show that you put plenty of thought into the interview. Ask why the previous employee left the position, inquire about the company culture or discuss some challenges the company faces. Never turn down the opportunity to ask questions, as doing so shows a lack of interest in the job.

6. Mind Your Body Language

Pay close attention to your body language throughout the interview. Sit up straight and make eye contact with the hiring manager and any other interview panelists as you answer their questions. Avoid the urge to fidget with a pen or shuffle through papers.

7. Let Your Passion Show Through

As you discuss your desire for the position, let your enthusiasm speak for itself. Discuss your accomplishments that make you the perfect person for the job and describe exactly what you can do to improve the company.

First impressions are everything, so it's imperative that you get the hiring manager's attention from the first interaction. These seven strategies are a great start. Help out other job interview hopefuls. What's your sure-fire strategy for impressing the hiring manager?


Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    Thanks for the comments. @Kimberly S that is truly awesome! Good luck in the new position. @Andy S - I am assuming that you mean that the hiring company needs to be faster in responding to applications?! This truly has always been the case. The only difference now is that we live in an instantaneous society where we expect everything to be completed right this moment. That doesn't work when it comes to hiring new employees or even to get them in for an interview. Even though the unemployment is at an all-time low, there are still plenty of folks looking for jobs and companies are still getting inundated with resumes. It takes time to get through them, do some checking on the applicant and then get them in for an interview. Hang in there and keep applying. Don't put all of your eggs in one basket so to speak. It will happen!

  • Kimberly S.
    Kimberly S.

    Marketing is the key..I can sell myself to employee real quick..I’ve been in the nursing field for 22+ yrs..U have to quick with your answers and be on point..And also know what ur talking about..And confidence in what your saying..I just had four jobs to call me back I’m one week..They said I was the top candidate on the list..And we’re all in different positions ..I know my worth..Thanks Kim Spencer

  • Valeria B.
    Valeria B.

    to assist deaf population empower and advocate for themselves.

  • Andy Stewts Stewts
    Andy Stewts Stewts

    need to be faster

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