5 Qualities to Convey in Your Next Interview

Recruiters can typically gauge the general personality and likability factor of a job candidate within a few minutes of a job interview. Your presentation, overall demeanor and level of friendliness all play a role when it comes to impressing recruiters, and for many companies, these traits are just as important as the skills and experience you bring to the table. Display these five qualities to ensure you make a great impression during interviews.

Confidence

Recruiters notice when a candidate lacks confidence, so make a strong effort to display confidence throughout the interview process. Maintain good posture, give a firm handshake and make good eye contact with recruiters. Pay close attention to your body language to ensure you're not displaying any nervous habits, such as crossing your arms or biting your nails.

Enthusiasm

It's not uncommon for job candidates to curb their enthusiasm during a job interview to appear more professional and poised. Don't do this. Make sure your enthusiasm about working for the company comes across to recruiters. Your overall demeanor should suggest you're excited about the possibility of contributing your talents and skills to the organization. Tell the recruiter you're excited to be there, and make sure that excitement comes across when you're discussing your potential role with the organization.

Friendliness

The simple act of being friendly can make or break your job interview, so smile when you meet recruiters, and maintain a friendly demeanor until the job interview is over. It's also important to be friendly to everyone you come across on the day of your job interview. Smile and say "good morning" to the individuals you meet in the elevator, maintenance workers and the receptionist. Wake up early and start your day on a positive note to ensure your friendly demeanor is natural and not forced.

Clarity

Do your homework before the job interview so you have a good idea of what you're going to say. A confused, rambling interviewee who can't give a straight answer to simple interview questions turns recruiters off. Be mindful and deliberate with all of your answers, and show you're a good communicator. Make your initial pitch clear and easy for recruiters to understand. It's also a good idea to practice answering common interview questions in front of a mirror or with a friend before your job interview.

Likability

If you come off as likable during a job interview, you're likely to leave a positive and memorable impression with recruiters. Engage in small talk when given the opportunity, as this helps you appear more sociable. When answering interview questions, to engage recruiters, give positive and relevant examples to expand on what you're saying. Recruiters want to hire people they like, so put the positive aspects of your personality on display.

If you've been invited to interview with a company, the employer already believes you have the abilities needed to perform the job. However, pay attention to your overall disposition during the job interview, as this can make or break your chance of landing the position. Make a great impression by remaining poised and friendly throughout the interview to help the employer clearly detect your excitement about working for the company.

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