You’ve landed the job interview. Now it’s time to present yourself to the hiring manager. You want to show the potential employer your strengths and convince them you’re the ideal candidate for the position. But while managers want to hire people they believe can do the job, they are also looking for workers with whom they can connect because they realize the right candidate must also fit comfortably into their company.

The answer to landing your dream job lies in clicking with potential employers. Remember, hiring managers are not all about work history and experience. They are also human beings and tend to be drawn to people to whom they are attracted. This is not a physical attraction but an interpersonal attraction that makes you more interesting than other candidates.

Here are some attributes—all under your control–which can help build that comfortable feeling between you and the hiring manager.

Be enthusiastic, yet respectful

Hiring managers love candidates who are sincerely upbeat and energetic. If you’re not excited during the interview, how enthusiastic will you be on the job? You don’t have to be bubbly or giddy, but a cheerful candidate makes a positive impression on any interviewer.

On the other hand, don’t let your zeal cause you to forget your manners. Creating a comfortable feeling with the interviewer does not begin with bringing a coffee to the interview or taking one last look at your phone messages after you sit down. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ never go out of style, and giving the interviewer your undivided attention is the best way to form a bond with them.

Let the interviewer know you are intellectually curious and passionate

Intellectual curiosity means you’re looking to continuously learn and better yourself. If you research the company you’re applying to and then ask pertinent questions about them, you’ll be indicating you did your homework to find out how you can best fit there.

Similarly, you demonstrate a passion for the industry when you follow it closely enough to be able to discuss it with the manager. Curiosity and passion are two very appealing attributes that suggest you are not merely satisfied with the status quo and are open to changes and bringing in new ideas.

Show your confident and professional side

Because you are being scrutinized during an interview, it can be one of the most challenging experiences you’ll go through. By looking your interviewer in the eye and answering questions with confidence, you will gain their admiration. Being professional, which includes dressing properly, arriving on time and maintaining appropriate conversation topics, are attributes almost anyone can develop and display. Put some work in practicing for the interview; it will pay hefty dividends.

Find the right job and make your impression

Finding your way through the job market can be a tricky and time-consuming process. When you work with a staffing company, they can add significant value to your job search and your career. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today or search for a new job here.