Instant Alert: 6 easy ways to make a killer first impression in your next job interview

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   6 easy ways to make a killer first impression in your next job interview by Jacquelyn Smith on Nov 3, 2015, 3:13 PM Advertisement Impressing the hiring manager should be your top priority in every job interview. "While other people within the organization — the HR or recruiting team, departmental team members, the CEO or another executive — will have input, the hiring manager generally has the last word on the decision to hire you," says Matt Mickiewicz, cofounder of Hired, a site for finding high-paying tech jobs. "And because you will be working closely with this person, it's important to demonstrate to them over the course of an interview not only that you can do the job, but also that you will be a good coworker and will fit in with the cultural fabric of the company."  Luckily, there are some very easy ways to stand out from the crowd. "Rather than trying to get overly creative in an interview, focus on mastering the basics," says Mickiewicz. "Few people do this really well, and you'll stand out if you are able to do these things well." SEE ALSO: 31 smart answers to really tough interview questions Do your homework. Aside from researching the company's history, its CEO and other top executive, take time to read recent press the company has gotten, research any earnings reports or financial statements, check out their blog to see what partnerships and projects they're involved in, "and then reference these during the interview," suggests Mickiewicz. But don't go overboard. "Referencing details from someone's personal life or veering too far into topics that are outside the scope of the job can come off as creepy and even invasive."   Be enthusiastic. "Having the skill set for a given position is really only half the battle," he explains. "The interviewer wants to know that you share their passion for the business and that you genuinely want to work there. Try to find specific anecdotes or examples that demonstrate your excitement for what the company does — a time when you used their product or service, a friend who has worked there and spoke highly of the company, or a talk the CEO gave that resonated with you." Keep a positive attitude. Avoid negativity at all costs, he says. "Even if you hated your last boss or company, try to put a positive spin on things." See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network: Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011