How to Make a Stellar First Impression in Your Interview

The ability to connect is a critical skill, even if it's explicitly not listed on a job posting. Small steps can go a long way: try to make small talk in the beginning of your interview — but without hijacking or delaying the formal interview. Pace yourself when answering questions: although interviews can be nerve-racking, don't speed through your answers or cover too many points in an attempt to prove your expertise. Be gracious and appreciative both at the end, as well as in follow-up notes that no one tells you to write but you do anyway. Having the right skills and experience is great, but if an employer can't envision what it would be like working with you and establishing a meaningful relationship, you might hurt your chances of moving forward in an interview process.