HOW TO STAND OUT IN AN INTERVIEW: TIPS FOR LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

Be prepared for your next job interview

After spending hours crafting an amazing resume and cover letter you have received a call for an interview. Now, it is time to prepare for the interview. Employers are looking for professionals who not only meet the qualifications of the job but also who have the soft skills necessary in order to succeed in the role. Your job is to impress the interview committee and show that you’re the best candidate for the job. Here are some tips to help you leave a lasting impression.

Research your employer

Interviewers love to ask candidates what they know about the company, so make sure you research the company to gather as much information as you possibly can. Most candidates often recite the “about us” page as an answer, but if your plan is to dazzle your interviewer, you need to demonstrate that you know a lot more than this. Be sure to do extensive research so you can answer questions like how long they’ve been in business, who are their partners, the company’s values, and more.

Come prepared

On the day of your interview it is important to come prepared. Bring a couple copies of your resume in case there are panel members who need this. It is also a good idea to have a resume copy for you to refer to if needed. In addition to your resume, it is good practice to have three references listed out on piece of paper.

If you are lucky, at the end of the interview they may ask you to provide the name and contact info for references and you can show them that you are well-prepared and planned for this ahead of time.

Bring a copy of your resume

Not too early

Arriving early to your interview is always good practice and shows the interviewers that you are reliable and want to make a good first impression. Arriving early can also allow time for you to relax and collect yourself before the interview begins. There is nothing worse than arriving a minute or so before the interview and having to rush into the interview room without having a chance to catch your breath.

A good rule of thumb is to arrive no more than 15 minutes early for your interview. Some job seekers think that the earlier the better, however, this is NOT a good strategy. If you arrive 30 minutes early for your interview you are actually putting pressure on the interviewer to hurry up and attend to you. This is really inconvenient for the interviewer and will likely start the interview off on the wrong foot.

Dress the part

How you dress for an interview truly matters as it is the first thing an interviewer will notice about you.

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

When it comes to dressing, most people make the mistake of either under-dressing or over-dressing. Undressing refers to wearing casual outfits like jeans or a t-shirt, while overdressing implies dressing ‘over-the top’ to show superiority over the interviewer. Make sure you dress in a way that shows that you’re a professional and that you can easily blend into the organization. The goal should be to look simple and professional.

Ace the “Tell me about yourself question.”

This is probably the first question you will be asked in the interview and how you answer it will shape how the interviewer sees you. It will also set the tone for the rest of the interview. A simple rule for an interview is to never respond by telling your interviewer the

obvious – what is listed in your resume. Many people struggle with this generic question, but if you can create a narrative that centers on your strengths, experiences, and interest, you will be five steps ahead of the competition.

Show how you will add value

Another question you might be asked is, “Why should we hire you?” This question may be constructed in a variety of different ways, however, the interviewers will want to know why they should consider you for the job ahead of other candidates. Rather than give an answer that’s filled with vague promises, show how you will add value to the company if you were hired. Consider what co-workers have said about you in the past. What are some of the core strengths you bring to a team? What is your unique advantage? In addition, you may consider quantifying some of your responses to show what type of impact you have had on other projects.

Connect with the interviewers

A very basic interview technique that will enhance your success is simply making a personal connecting with the interviewer(s). This can be done by conducting research on them so you can use this knowledge to speak and ask questions about common interests. Additionally, it is good practice to maintain eye contact as this will send a message that you are confident in yourself and that you are truly listening to what they have to say.

Wrap-up

Last but not least, after the interview is over it is customary to send a thank-you note to the interviewer(s) to express your appreciation for their time. You can also seize this opportunity to buttress any points you made during the interview and reaffirm your interest in the position.