How to increase your chances of landing the job

Stop relying solely on your CV and skills.
The connection you build with the hiring manager can make or break your chances.
It’s about how you make them feel during and after the interview.
Follow these tips for how to do it the right way.
#1: Don’t treat it like a job interview
Of course, be professional & take it seriously but focus on building a relationship.
Employers want someone who can do the job and gel with them and the team.
See it as a regular everyday interaction, like you’re talking to a new friend. Find the balance between professional and friendly.
#2: Be conversational
Not all interviews start with “Tell me about yourself”. Often it’s a simple “How’s it going?”
But don’t just respond with a boring “Good, thanks”.
Share a little about your day or week and show enthusiasm (but keep it brief). It’ll help you stand out.
#3: The power of a thank you note
Always send a “thank you” email after the interview. Either the day of or the day after.
Keep it positive and brief, reminding them of what you discussed and your interest in the role.
See the next page for an example template.
Thank you email
Hi [Hiring Manager’s name],
Thank you for your time the other day. It was great to meet you, and I’m excited to see how your project [project discussed] goes!
As I mentioned, I believe my background from [previous jobs] and [skills] will be valuable to this role because [reasons]. I look forward to continuing the conversation with your team.
Again, I really appreciate your time and consideration! Please let me know if you have any further questions for me.
Kind regards
[Your name]
It makes it more personal
This gesture personalises your interaction with the hiring manager. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the job and company.
If you need help preparing for your next interview. Get in touch with the team – we’re here to help.
Consult Recruitment
Recent Posts
You’ve got the interview. Now make it count
April 2026 Recruitment Market Update
Retention in 2026: What actually keeps people engaged?
Celebrating B Corp Month at Consult
What the heck is a coffee interview?
Fix in ‘26 – Economic Outlook Insights with Jarrod Kerr,…
Blog categories
Our latest blog posts.

Congratulations to the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Award Winners!
Auckland, New Zealand: On Friday 22nd May, hundreds of NZ’s tech leaders, founders and innovators came together at Spark Arena

You’ve got the interview. Now make it count
You made it. The application landed, the CV did its job, and now you’re sitting with an interviewer for a

April 2026 Recruitment Market Update
A lot has happened since our last update in December. Between global trade tensions, rising fuel costs and continued inflationary
Hiring or job hunting? You’ll want this.
Get our latest What the Buck? Market Snapshot & Salary Report.
What the Buck? is proprietary research we run once a year. It’s fresh, NZ-specific and built to help businesses and professionals understand the job market and make better hiring and career decisions.