Angelina
What will make you stand out at a job interview?
Hey! I was just wondering what could make me stand out a little when I go to a job interview. Would it be something that I would say, something that I would do, or something else? Thank you! #business #medicine #teaching #law #technology #interviews #information-technology #customer-service
112 answers
Dave Ramanauskas, Agile Consultant, CSM, CSP
Dave’s Answer
I've interviewed a lot of candidates in my career and the ones who stood for me were the candidates who did their research on the company, did their research on me by checking out my LinkedIn profile, and did their research on the job they were pursuing.
A good recruiter will provide a candidate a written description of the role they're interviewing for, and a standout candidate is one who shows up for the interview with a thorough understanding of what the job entails. A standout candidate will go that extra mile by taking the time to ask me what the most pressing problems or opportunities are that exist in the organization, and describe what they will do to help solve the problems or capitalize on the opportunities. A standout candidate will have a 30, 60 , 90 day plan in mind for getting up to speed on the job once they are hired.
There are a few ideas for you. Best of luck in your career- go get 'em !
Steven Orenstein
Steven’s Answer
1) Learn about the company you are interviewing for, easy to research on the internet. If you know someone there, get some info that you can share with the interviewer
2) Work on your speaking and communication style, you have to adapt to the interviewer to build trust and confidence. It's not about you it's about them.
3) Come to the interview with questions for the interviewer (what are the expectations of the me in the role, how do you see the person you hire for this role being successful, if this is the supervisor doing the hiring then ask them how they would like to be communicated with, what's good what's not so good,
4) Pay attention to the interviewers decorations, ask some questions at the right time or use it for initial conversation points until the interview starts
5) Sit forward on the edge of your chair
6) Maintain a comfortable eye contact
7) Dress better than they expect. Always go above and beyond expectations.
Cheryl Zahares
Cheryl’s Answer
Do your research about the company you are interviewing with. You will be able to be more confident in answering their questions and can gear your answers to relate to their work environment and lingo.
Be authentic! .... having a smile on your face and a contradicting tone will not leave the impression you are hoping to leave with your interviewer.
Establish a connection with the interviewer.
Establishing a connection, whether it be you attended the same college or liking the same professional sports teams, anything that will allow you to have a genuine conversation to show the interviewer your personality and positivity.
Dress for the job and company. It is important to look the part you want the interviewer to hire you for.
Show up at least 10 minutes before your interview. You are interviewing for a job that needs you to be timely and prepared, show up to the interview that way .
Non verbal queues speak louder than verbal queues, practice good non verbal communication while practicing answering the common interview questions. ( I highly recommend looking over a book like 101 great answers to the toughest interview questions to help you prepare)
This article lays out some pretty basic points to help you get hired.
https://www.livecareer.com/resources/interviews/prep/job-interview-tips
Best Wishes to all!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Samuel
Anne Gattoni
Anne’s Answer
Thank you, Anne for the advice.
Samuel
Ripon Ghosh
Ripon’s Answer
Here are few unique ways to make your job interview stand out. Cue the curtain rise.
If you’ll be asked to problem-solve, consider bringing a drawing sheet and illustrating your approach.
During your prep, think of a “theme” that encompasses your career arc and skills. Then reference that theme throughout the interview.
Look out for small but impactful ways to make an impression, like helping an assistant make copies.
Got a group interview? These tips will make you the most memorable in the pack.
Tell a story to the hiring manager to get your own happy ending.
If you can, leave something behind so your interviewer has a physical memory of your meeting.
Don’t switch “off” from interview mode until you leave the parking lot.
It’s not curtain-call yet! Check out how to write a memorable thank-you card.
And finally, read up on the 10 most memorable (and not in a good way) interview moments.
Source :https://www.themuse.com/advice/10-ways-to-make-sure-the-interviewer-remembers-you-in-a-good-way
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Samuel
Thank you for your answer! Quick question: you recommended leaving something behind so that the interviewer has a physical memory. would you recommend bringing flowers or bakery, etc, or something else? Thanks again!
Angelina
Its not necessary that it has to be an object . What i meant is an long lasting impression .
Ripon Ghosh
Ohhh, thank you for clarifying that for me! I looked at the articles that you included, and I saw what you meant. Thanks!
Angelina
Govardhan (Geo) Koneru
Govardhan (Geo)’s Answer
There are few important things to remember always when you are going for a interview. Attire, Smile and confidence on your face and finally you should be good at your subject.
When you first step inside the interview room the interviewer looks at you before even interview starts. So your attire is important. You should look confident and greet interviewer with a smile to make yourself comfortable and the interviewer.
The most important part of your interview is when actually it starts. You should know very clearly about your strengths and how your strengths are going to help you in the job role and the company. Highlight your strengths briefly when you are describing about yourself how its going to help in the job you do.
Lastly know the job responsibilities and do research a lot before you attend any interview. Prepare yourself a lot don't take it easy as there are many smart charms out there trying to stand out from the crowd.
Always remember the time you are having fun somebody is practicing hard somewhere to stand on top of you.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Samuel
Thanks for the answer! It was very helpful!
Angelina
What Geo said is just right, not too much information and the information given is helpful.
Gil Figueroa
Rich Bianculli
Rich’s Answer
When I am conducting interviews, I am looking for Authenticity, Interest, and Adaptability.
Authenticity - I look for personality traits that are going to show an individual values, and those values align with the position/company's goals
Interest - Passionate about themselves, the role, and future development. Someone who is truly interested in becoming the best version of themselves is greatly viewed as a top candidate. The person who takes a serious interest in the role and has a vision of what they can contribute is a huge asset.
Adaptability - Ability to solve problems, work cohesively with a team and change the focus depending on the need. A lot of times, things go in a different direction then planned, someone who can display their ability to adapt ensures long-term success regardless of the environment.
Rich recommends the following next steps:
Lucie dC
Lucie’s Answer
First of all dress for the job you want, without a tuxedo, dress the part.
Second, in my opinion what everyone looks into a good candidate/good interview is someone who is concise, doesn't lose his train of thoughts, to the point, good story teller, etc.
To stand out, despite the many answers you already got, I would say:
#1 Match job posting and resume
Highlight the different part of the job posting and match it to your resume. Use maybe a few different highlighters to really distinguish the different skillset required. This will be make it easier for you to speak about what has not been highlighted (because it will come up!)
#2 Look out for the obvious
Look for the obvious questions you will be asked: Experience, gap in resume, etc. Be prepared to respond to these questions with a well prepared answer. It might be a way for you to shine.
#3 Work on story telling
A good story needs to be down to the point and follow a path of development. Don't get lost into rabbit holes and other tangent, look into the narrative and make sure it is one where you stand out.
#4 Prepare and Practice make Perfect
There will be obvious questions about your resume, also, there will be the questions we are all expecting: Tell me about yourself, what are some of your qualities, what do you like about our company, why do you want to work here, etc.?
It will vary per the role and industry but all the questions you will have will be in some sort of the same flavor from one interview to the next.
Then rehearse, under the shower, in front of the mirror, with friends, family, etc. The more you repeat your stories the more they will come naturally and when a question you have not prepared for arise you should be more relaxed to answer.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
Thank you, Lucie for the advice.
Samuel
Mary LaRosa
Mary’s Answer
The best thing to do is be prepared. Do your research on the company and ask questions based on what you learned about the company. Be excited about the job! Ask questions as the interview is also for you to decide if you would be a good fit. Use action verbs. Dress is important always dress in professional attire. Smile and be confident. If you want the job. Ask for it! Also be sure to send a thank you email highlighting your skills and indicating your desire for the position.
Ignacio Ochoa
Ignacio’s Answer
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Samuel
Janet Muller
Janet’s Answer
1) Your initial connection / first impression.
This link is great and I use all of these suggestions when I go to a new client. Especially #8 "Find a Connection"
https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-ways-to-make-a-great-first-impression-at-an-interview
2) Prepare two questions to ask at the end of the interview.
I went through a great round of interviews for a position once - in the end, they gave me the feedback that I didn't get the job because I didn't ask them questions, so they assumed I wouldn't ask good questions as I did the job.
This link has excellent options:
https://biginterview.com/blog/2011/08/best-questions-to-ask-end-interview.html
I recommend questions 7, 8 and 9.
Wish you the best!
Janet
first-impressions ending-the-job-interview
Jasanpreet Kaur Bhatia
Jasanpreet Kaur’s Answer
Standing out at a job interview involves showcasing your unique skills, experiences, and personality. Highlight your achievements, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role, and make a memorable impression by showing genuine interest in the company and asking thoughtful questions. Additionally, demonstrating how you can bring value and solve problems for the organization will help you stand out from other candidates.
Hope it helps!
All the best!
Chirayu Rupani
Chirayu’s Answer
Researching the company and the position beforehand can demonstrate your interest in the role and your ability to take initiative. Show how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the job. Use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and achievements. Express your excitement about the opportunity to work for the company and the role you are applying for.Show your interest in the company and the role by asking thoughtful, well-researched questions. Speak clearly and confidently, it will show your ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Show how your skills and experience can help the company achieve its goals and objectives. Remember that being yourself is important, and being honest and transparent about your qualifications, experience, and career aspirations is crucial. Additionally, your body language, nonverbal cues, and attitude play a big role in how you come across during an interview.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Samuel
Cathy Robinson
Cathy’s Answer
Thank you for giving me advice.
Samuel
