top of page

First Impressions Are Highly Important, So Doing Well In Interviews Is The Key To Securing A Good Job


First impressions are highly important. So, some people think that doing well in interviews is the key to securing a good job - IELTS Band 9 Sample Essay


Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Essay 1

The pivotal role of interviews in securing a desirable position is widely recognized, advocating that an impressive initial interaction is crucial. I contend that while interviews are significant, they are not the sole determinant of employment success, as additional factors such as experience and qualifications also play critical roles.


Primarily, interviews serve as a crucial platform for potential employers to evaluate a candidate's immediate suitability for a position. This assessment includes not only the candidate's verbal articulation but also non-verbal cues such as body language and attire, all of which significantly influence first impressions. For instance, a study by Harvard Business Review suggests that candidates who adeptly manage their first impression are 40% more likely to be shortlisted. This indicates that effective personal presentation can open doors. However, this is merely one facet of the hiring process. The ability to communicate effectively and present oneself confidently during an interview undoubtedly enhances a candidate's prospects by demonstrating interpersonal skills and professionalism, but it does not alone guarantee job security or long-term success.


Conversely, the importance of tangible qualifications and prior experience is paramount and often outweighs the subjective outcomes of an interview, especially in highly technical fields. In sectors such as engineering or IT, employers prioritize a robust skill set and a proven track record over merely persuasive interview performances. For example, a software company would likely choose a developer with extensive coding experience and a portfolio of successful projects rather than a candidate whose main strength is exceptional interview skills. This preference highlights the fact that substantial professional credentials and relevant experience are indispensable. These elements ensure that a candidate not only secures the position but is also well-prepared to contribute effectively to complex projects and tasks from the start.


In conclusion, interviews are undoubtedly a critical component of the job acquisition process, providing a necessary but not wholly sufficient condition for employment. Successful candidates often blend stellar interview performances with solid backgrounds in their field, illustrating that comprehensive qualifications and experience are just as vital.


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Essay 2

Interviews stand as the cornerstone of securing a commendable job, offering a critical window for candidates to demonstrate their potential value to prospective employers. I firmly agree that excelling in interviews is indeed vital for job acquisition, as they not only assess capabilities but also one's fit within a corporate culture.


Interviews are a unique opportunity for applicants to make a memorable impact on potential employers. This interaction goes beyond evaluating qualifications on paper; it's about showcasing interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to think on one's feet—qualities highly valued in any professional setting. For instance, a candidate's response to behavioural questions reveals insights into their problem-solving skills and compatibility with team dynamics, which are often decisive factors in hiring decisions. Furthermore, industries that rely heavily on client interaction, such as sales or consulting, place an even greater emphasis on the prowess displayed during interviews, often equating them to a candidate's potential to manage client relationships effectively.


Moreover, the ability to articulate one's thoughts and ideas coherently during an interview can be a direct indicator of leadership potential and executive presence, traits that are indispensable for managerial roles. Effective communication during these sessions also reflects a candidate's preparation and enthusiasm for the role, signaling their dedication and interest. Success in interviews thus not only secures a job offer but can also influence a candidate's placement within the company, determining their initial career trajectory. For example, a persuasive interview can lead directly to opportunities for more significant responsibilities or entry into leadership programs, thereby accelerating career advancement.


In essence, mastering the art of the interview is crucial for job seekers. It allows candidates not only to verify their qualifications but also to demonstrate their strategic thinking and cultural fit, thereby significantly boosting their employment prospects. As such, the importance of excelling in interviews cannot be overstated in the context of career success.


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Essay 3

While the initial interaction of interviews can impact an applicant's prospects, asserting that interview performance is the definitive key to securing an excellent job oversimplifies the complexity of employment success. I firmly disagree with the notion that interview performance alone determines career opportunities, as it undervalues the essential roles of qualifications, experience, and ongoing professional development.


Interviews, though a vital facet of the hiring process, merely represent a snapshot of a candidate's broader professional abilities. They do not account for the comprehensive skills and in-depth knowledge that ongoing work experience and education provide. Industries such as healthcare, engineering, and academia require extensive technical expertise that cannot be fully assessed in a brief interview setting. For instance, a physician's ability to perform under pressure and make life-saving decisions is measured more accurately through rigorous training and practical experience rather than a conversational evaluation. This discrepancy between interview performance and actual job capability highlights that critical skills, essential for job performance, are often developed far beyond the interview stage.


Furthermore, the increasing reliance on quantitative metrics and results-oriented performance indicators in many sectors diminishes the weight of subjective interview impressions. Companies are progressively adopting data-driven hiring practices that include skills assessments, performance tasks, and analytical tests to predict job performance more accurately. These methods provide a more objective measure of a potential employee's ability to contribute to the company, reducing the emphasis on the subjective nuances of interview interactions. For example, tech giants like Google and Amazon place significant emphasis on coding tests and problem-solving scenarios that assess candidates' functional expertise directly relevant to the job, rather than merely how personable they appear during an interview.


Ultimately, while interviews are an important aspect of the hiring process, they do not singularly determine the suitability of a candidate for a job. It is the synthesis of qualifications, proven experience, and skill assessments that truly forecast professional success and alignment with a company's long-term goals.


Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

bottom of page