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How can you get better at talking during an interview and standing out?

College of Charleston undergrad, not sure what type of feild I want to go into, so when apply to differnet jobs and I get asked questions that am not sure I even know the answer to.

communication
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J. Ivy’s Answer

I've always found that when I go into an interview without expectations or fear (generally it doesn't hurt whether or not I get the job) I'm most confident.

Now if you're not sure what you really want to do, the best suggestion I have is to simply be honest. If they ask about skills that maybe you don't have, it's fine to let them know you're either interested in learning or are currently working on said skill (if it's the truth).

It really comes down to being comfortable with who you are and where you're at ... as long as you're willing to grow and learn.
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Kelsey’s Answer

Great question! To improve your interview skills and stand out, start by practicing your answers to common questions. You can do this with a friend, family member, or even in front of a mirror. Speaking out loud helps build confidence. Remember to speak slowly, maintain good eye contact, and share specific examples from your experiences, like school projects or hobbies, to show your skills. Research the company or school ahead of time so you can explain why you're interested and ask smart questions. Be yourself and show enthusiasm—interviewers love to see that you're eager and ready to learn. The more you prepare, the more comfortable and confident you'll feel. Also, keep a couple of questions ready to ask at the end of the interview!
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semi’s Answer

That’s totally normal interviews can be tricky, especially when you’re still figuring things out. Try practicing common interview questions out loud, even recording yourself to hear how you sound. Focus on sharing your thought process rather than perfect answers. Also, research each company a bit before the interview so you can connect your experiences to what they do. Confidence grows with practice, so even mock interviews with friends can really help you improve over time.
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Wong’s Answer

Hi Samantha. You can stand out in interviews by focusing on your strengths, being honest, and showing a willingness to learn. First, you need to practice answering common interview questions out loud. Questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Why do you want this job?” come up often.

Even if you're not sure about the perfect answer, having something prepared can help you feel more confident. Try recording yourself or practicing with a friend or career advisor. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll become.

You can also stand out by talking about your college experiences. Even if you don't have job experience in a specific field, mention your class projects, volunteer work, clubs, or any challenges you've overcome. These show your skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Finally, always do a little research before the interview. Learn about the company and the role, even if you're not sure it's your dream job. Showing interest and effort can leave a strong impression.
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Don’s Answer

Hello Samantha,

There are many different ways that you can get better at interviewing and standing out. You can do things like showing up early, practice your answers, show good body language, ask questions, show your worth/value, stay positive in your interview and believe in yourself. It is not guaranteed that employers will see your worth and that is why it is important to not take things personal when it comes to interviews. All you can focus on is what you can do to best show yourself. Hope you are able to find more opportunities and I know that you will do good in your interviews. Best of luck to you!
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Godfred’s Answer

Hi Samantha, I would say stop trying to have perfect answers. That's what trips most people up.

When you don't know something in an interview, just say it. Seriously. "I haven't done that before, but here's how I'd figure it out" or "I'm not familiar with that, but I'm quick at learning new things" works way better than fumbling through a fake answer. Interviewers can tell when you're making stuff up, and honesty actually makes you more trustworthy.

Here's what actually helps. Before any interview, write down three stories from your life. Could be from school, a part-time job, a group project, volunteering, whatever. Just real situations where you solved a problem, helped someone, learned something hard, or dealt with a challenge. When they ask random questions you weren't expecting, you can pull from those stories. It makes your answers feel real instead of rehearsed.

Also, ask them questions back. When you're unsure what they want to hear, flip it. "Can you tell me more about what a typical day looks like in this role?" or "What does success look like for someone in this position?" It shows you're actually thinking about the job, plus it takes pressure off you and gives you info to work with. Interviews go way better when they feel like conversations, not interrogations. Just be a real person. That's what stands out.
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semi’s Answer

Getting better at interviews takes practice and self-awareness. Start by preparing clear answers for common questions like your strengths, achievements, and goals. But don’t memorize them word-for-word. Instead, focus on speaking naturally and confidently.
You can also practice with a friend or record yourself to notice your tone, pace, and body language. During the interview, listen carefully, take a brief pause before answering, and show genuine interest in the role. What really makes you stand out is being authentic, well-prepared, and showing how your skills match what the company needs.
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Val’s Answer

1. Learn what the job needs.
2. Highlight your skills that fit the job by sharing specific past experiences.
3. Get ready for questions about soft skills, like:
- A time you showed leadership
- A situation where you worked well with others
- How you handled a crisis
4. Research the company’s main business and values.
5. Discover who your interviewers are to connect with them better.
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Jean’s Answer

Hi Samantha!

It's fantastic that you’re already thinking ahead to your interviews! In my opinion, the key to a successful interview is being well-prepared and genuine. Preparation can take several forms. Researching the company and the role is an excellent starting point. However, it's important to remember that first interviews are often used to get to know you better. Therefore, you should also be prepared for common questions about yourself. You can find a wealth of sample interview questions online, on LinkedIn, or even by asking an AI tool to generate some for you.

Once you have a list of questions, take time to consider how to answer them honestly and authentically. After you have a general idea, practice your responses with a friend or record yourself (video or audio) to hear how your answers sound.

Here are a few more important points to keep in mind: it's perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question, and you can always request a moment to think before answering. Don't feel pressured to respond immediately—this is your time to shine! Take a deep breath, remember that you are prepared, and know that you earned this interview. The interviewer is excited to get to know you!
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selin’s Answer

To excel in interviews and make a lasting impression, focus on preparation, communication, and showcasing your unique strengths.

1. Enhance Your Speaking Skills

- Speak Slowly and Pause: Nervousness can make you talk too fast. Slow down to sound more confident and give yourself time to think. Pauses help you gather your thoughts and make it easier for the interviewer to follow you.
- Be Direct and Brief: Answer questions directly without rambling. Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, especially for behavioral questions.
- Avoid Filler Words: Cut out words like "um" and "uh." Instead, pause briefly to think before speaking.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to the full question to ensure you answer correctly. If needed, ask for clarification.
- Use Non-Verbal Cues: Maintain eye contact, smile naturally, and use open body language to show confidence and interest.

2. Stand Out with Content and Engagement

- Research Thoroughly: Learn about the company’s recent projects, culture, and the interviewer's background. Mention specific details to show your genuine interest.
- Have Key Points Ready: Identify 3-5 skills or experiences that match the job. Use stories to illustrate them.
- Show Your Value: Explain how your skills can benefit their team. Share ideas for your first few months or solutions to potential problems.
- Tell Impactful Stories: Use anecdotes with data to support your claims. Stories are more memorable than facts alone.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: At the end, ask questions that reflect your understanding of the role and company.
- Examples: "What challenges is this team facing?" or "What does exceeding expectations look like in this role?"

3. Prepare Thoroughly

- Practice Interviews: Rehearse common questions with a friend, coach, or by recording yourself. Focus on your tone and clarity.
- Review Your Materials: Know the job description and your resume well to connect your experience to the role.
- Boost Your Confidence: Remember, you were chosen for an interview because they see potential in you. Use breathing exercises to calm nerves before the interview.
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Yesh’s Answer

My biggest recommendation is to simply focus on being yourself and showing what makes you unique. One tip I can share is prepare for your interview by reading the job description and pick out parts that sound exciting, then think of examples from your life that show similar skills. If you don’t have work experience everyday stories count! For example in my first interview I didn’t have a job to talk about so I shared how I helped my dad build an extension on our house one summer and explained how working toward a deadline taught me time management and problem-solving. And remember if you’re unsure about a question, it’s okay to say how you’d approach it. Being prepared and authentic will help you stand out.
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Marcy’s Answer

Before an interview, research the company, so you can be prepared to tell them why you want to work for them and showcase what you know about them. Make sure to thoroughly review the job description, so you can be talking about your strengths/skills that are relevant to the job. These could be technical skills like computer skills or soft skills like teamwork. When you are talking about your strengths/skills, don't just tell; you need to show. If you say you are a fast learner or a good problem solver, make sure you have an example to back it up. Also, remember it isn't just about what you say but how your body is communicating as well. This includes facial expressions, eye contact, posture, gestures, etc. Don't forget to send a thank you email afterwards, reinforcing why you are a good fit for the role and thanking the interview(s) for their time.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions.
Below are some suggestions :
1. Review the job description in details. Identify the areas you can meet the requirements.
2. Prepare for some common questions :
- Self Introduction -
- Your strength - Focus on areas you can meet requirement
- Your weakness,
,etc.
3. Do research on the company background
4. Review the interviewer profile in LinkedIn
5. Try the outfit for the interview in advance
6. Arrive the interview venue punctually
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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