Expert-backed job interview tips to be more likable and make a great first impression

For practical job interview tips, remember that employers look for more than just skills and experience.

Making a good impression and showing a positive attitude can be just as important.

Employers look for more than just skills—they want team players who stay calm under pressure and create a positive work environment.

Since colleagues spend a lot of time together, especially in office settings, hiring managers prefer candidates who are easy to work with and avoid conflicts.

Being well-liked can also boost your chances of getting hired. Workplace stress expert Dr. Sharon Grossman told Business Insider that employers often choose candidates they connect with, even with less experience.

“It’s an invitation to just be yourself,” she said, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in interviews.

Being yourself in a job interview can help you connect with the interviewer and determine if the job fits.

While staying relaxed isn’t always easy, Grossman says using a few soft skills can make the process smoother.

These skills help candidates engage in natural conversations, making interviews feel less stressful and improving their chances of success.

If you’re looking for job interview tips on how to be more likable, consider these expert-recommended strategies:

1. Channel your nerves into enthusiasm.

Nervousness before a job interview can actually work in your favor. Dr. Zachary Ginder, a psychologist specializing in workplace stress, says a little stress can boost performance.

“A certain amount of stress, up to a point of course, is actually beneficial for peak performance,” he said.

Rather than hiding your nerves, Grossman suggests using them to show excitement.

Demonstrating energy and enthusiasm can make you memorable and convey passion for the role, setting you apart from candidates who seem too calm or detached.

2. Find common ground with your interviewer.

Being authentic in a job interview is key, but connecting with the interviewer and aligning with the company’s values can give you an advantage.

Grossman suggests matching the interviewer’s energy if it feels natural, which can help build rapport.

Meanwhile, Ginder emphasizes the importance of researching company culture and tailoring responses to reflect its priorities, such as teamwork.

However, experts warn against faking compatibility.

Trying to fit into a culture that doesn’t suit you can come across as insincere and may lead to a role that isn’t the right fit.

3. Imagine yourself succeeding in the interview.

Visualizing success can help you stay focused and make better decisions.

Ginder suggests mentally rehearsing a job interview to boost confidence. He told Business Insider that picturing each step—from the handshake to answering tough questions—can make the experience feel more familiar.

Combined with solid research on the company and role, this technique can help you feel more prepared and let your personality stand out.

4. Keep your answers positive.

Job interviews often include difficult questions, like why you’re leaving your current job.

Grossman advises avoiding negative comments about past employers, which can leave the wrong impression. Instead, a neutral response like, “There was a conflict that I felt couldn’t be resolved,” keeps things professional.

To keep the conversation positive, consider shifting the focus to the interviewer. You can mention how the experience helped you appreciate a strong company culture and ask them what they enjoy most about their workplace.

5. Embrace openness

Showing a little vulnerability in a job interview can leave a positive impression.

If you stumble on an answer, Dr. Sharon Grossman suggests being honest and asking to start over. A simple acknowledgment—like saying, “I’m sorry, can I try that again? I was nervous and didn’t express myself the way I intended.” It can help you regain confidence.

Owning your mistake at the moment shows authenticity and accountability. And if an interviewer isn’t open to a second chance, it could be a red flag about the company’s culture.

6. Ask them questions

Grossman says that a job interview isn’t just about proving yourself—it’s also an opportunity to assess if the company is the right fit. Asking the right questions and watching for warning signs can help you make a wise decision.

Maintaining perspective is essential even when a job seems like the perfect fit. Approaching an interview with too much urgency can undermine confidence and make it challenging to present oneself genuinely.

Grossman advises job seekers to stay focused on the bigger picture, reminding themselves that while an opportunity may be exciting, other options will always be available.

Here are some more job interview tips from CareerVidz: