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What should I emphasize about myself in interviews and applications?
I am wondering what can make me stand out among other people.
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Allison’s Answer
Hello Vincent! In order to prepare effectively for your job interview and stand out as a top candidate, you need to take a more comprehensive approach. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Research the company thoroughly: Visit their website, read press releases, and find recent news articles about the company. This will not only help you understand the company's values, culture, and objectives but also demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the organization.
2. Analyze the job description: Note down the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This will allow you to match your personal experiences, skills, and qualities with what the employer is looking for.
3. Reflect on your experiences and achievements: Think about how your past experiences, both personal and professional, have given you the skills and qualities required for the job. Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have used your skills to solve problems, achieve goals, or overcome challenges.
4. Prepare your answers to common interview questions: It's important to practice answering common interview questions, such as "Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem" or "Can you give an example of how you successfully managed a difficult situation?" By crafting well-thought-out answers, you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to different scenarios.
5. Come up with a list of questions to ask the interviewer: Being proactive and engaging in a conversation with the interviewer helps you stand out as a curious and interested candidate. Ask questions about the company's work culture, the team dynamics, growth opportunities, and how success is measured within the role.
6. Dress professionally and practice good body language: Wearing appropriate attire and maintaining good posture, eye contact, and a firm handshake can give you a competitive edge during the interview.
7. Prepare materials: Bring extra copies of your resume, a note pad, and a pen in case you need to take notes during the interview.
8. Be punctual: Arriving early or on time for the interview shows that you are responsible, reliable, and respectful of the employer's time.
9. Follow up with a thank-you note: Sending a thank-you email, message, or letter after the interview can reinforce your interest in the position and leave a lasting impression.
By following these steps and adequately preparing for your interview, you will not only feel more confident but also be well equipped to showcase your best self and increase your chances of securing the job. Good luck, Vincent!
Research the company you are applying for
Update your resume to highlight the skills you have related directly to the job you are applying for
1. Research the company thoroughly: Visit their website, read press releases, and find recent news articles about the company. This will not only help you understand the company's values, culture, and objectives but also demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the organization.
2. Analyze the job description: Note down the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This will allow you to match your personal experiences, skills, and qualities with what the employer is looking for.
3. Reflect on your experiences and achievements: Think about how your past experiences, both personal and professional, have given you the skills and qualities required for the job. Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have used your skills to solve problems, achieve goals, or overcome challenges.
4. Prepare your answers to common interview questions: It's important to practice answering common interview questions, such as "Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem" or "Can you give an example of how you successfully managed a difficult situation?" By crafting well-thought-out answers, you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to different scenarios.
5. Come up with a list of questions to ask the interviewer: Being proactive and engaging in a conversation with the interviewer helps you stand out as a curious and interested candidate. Ask questions about the company's work culture, the team dynamics, growth opportunities, and how success is measured within the role.
6. Dress professionally and practice good body language: Wearing appropriate attire and maintaining good posture, eye contact, and a firm handshake can give you a competitive edge during the interview.
7. Prepare materials: Bring extra copies of your resume, a note pad, and a pen in case you need to take notes during the interview.
8. Be punctual: Arriving early or on time for the interview shows that you are responsible, reliable, and respectful of the employer's time.
9. Follow up with a thank-you note: Sending a thank-you email, message, or letter after the interview can reinforce your interest in the position and leave a lasting impression.
By following these steps and adequately preparing for your interview, you will not only feel more confident but also be well equipped to showcase your best self and increase your chances of securing the job. Good luck, Vincent!
Allison recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Emitom’s Answer
Hi Vincent,
Allison provided a great response. I want to elaborate on #4. Many organizations ask behavioral interview questions. These are the questions that start with something like "Tell me about a time when...". When you are asked one of these questions, they would like you to respond by providing a specific example. A helpful method you can use to do this is called the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. You can start by describing the situation you faced and the tasks you needed to complete. Then, describe the actions you specifically took and the results you achieved from those actions. If you have quantitative results, it's great to bring in numbers, but if not, qualitative results work as well. I encourage people to start by practicing 3 STAR stories. As you feel comfortable with those stories, you can start to practice more. I recommend, in the long-term, having 8-10 STAR stories you feel really comfortable with and can know how you can tweak them to apply to different interview questions. At that point, you're pretty unstoppable! Many organizations ask these questions based off things that are easy to find online like their values and leadership principles. When you have an interview scheduled, I recommend doing research on the company and practicing STAR stories that are specific to that company. If needed, there is a lot out there on the internet where you can learn more about the STAR method.
Practice using the STAR method to respond to behavioral interview questions
Allison provided a great response. I want to elaborate on #4. Many organizations ask behavioral interview questions. These are the questions that start with something like "Tell me about a time when...". When you are asked one of these questions, they would like you to respond by providing a specific example. A helpful method you can use to do this is called the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. You can start by describing the situation you faced and the tasks you needed to complete. Then, describe the actions you specifically took and the results you achieved from those actions. If you have quantitative results, it's great to bring in numbers, but if not, qualitative results work as well. I encourage people to start by practicing 3 STAR stories. As you feel comfortable with those stories, you can start to practice more. I recommend, in the long-term, having 8-10 STAR stories you feel really comfortable with and can know how you can tweak them to apply to different interview questions. At that point, you're pretty unstoppable! Many organizations ask these questions based off things that are easy to find online like their values and leadership principles. When you have an interview scheduled, I recommend doing research on the company and practicing STAR stories that are specific to that company. If needed, there is a lot out there on the internet where you can learn more about the STAR method.
Emitom recommends the following next steps: