4 Ways You Can Stand Out in a Job Interview

By Alicia Geigel on September 17, 2021

When applying for jobs, we have a desperate need to do anything we can to stand out. Creating an attractive resume, deciding what to wear, putting thought into how to best conduct yourself, and effectively answering questions are just some of the ways you need to stand out. Taking all of these elements into consideration, you can be both overwhelmed and under-confident in your ability to hit every mark in your interview.

As you are diving into the job search process, you might be curious as to what important traits and skills you need to gain the approval and acceptance of your potential employer, and ultimately secure the position of your dreams! Are you currently applying for jobs? Looking for some simple yet effective ways to stand out during an interview? Here are four ways that you can stand out and get the job!

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1, Dress to Impress:  Among the many thoughts that flood your head before an interview, one of the questions you may ask yourself is, “Do I look OK?” The reality is, we as a society have not learned to judge people from the inside instead of the outside. Unfortunately, this means that for job interviews, looks do matter. Appearance is one of the first elements that employers will notice about you so if you want to stand out, start first with your wardrobe! What you will want to know as you are scheduling your interview is the nature of the work environment: is it business casual or more conservative? Once you figure this out, finding out what to wear is a breeze.

According to Mike of theinterviewguys.com, “You can get a good feel for a company’s culture (including dress) by visiting their website.  Often they will have videos (maybe even their own YouTube channel) that will show videos of ‘life at work.’ They often interview employees from various departments, one of which may be the one you are interviewing for.” When in doubt, simple yet professional is best!

2. Research The Company: To better prepare yourself for your interview and stand out to employers, research as much as you can about the companies/potential employers you are seeking out. Conducting research doesn’t have to be difficult, and can be accomplished by a simple Google search.

Find the company website and note down all the important information that you can draw from it, such as the company mission statement, its intended target audience, its history, employee reviews, etc. When you research the ins and outs like this, it makes all the difference, as it shows your interviewer that you are not only serious about the position you are seeking but also that you have an interest in more than just the person sitting across from you.

3. Be Prepared to Answer the Tough Questions: Standing out in an interview doesn’t always come without challenge or comfortability- it can also come in moments that are more unforgiving. Not one person likes to talk about what they’re bad at or when they made a mistake. Humans are prideful beings, and doing so often diminishes our confidence and pride. However, it’s important to be aware of your weaknesses, skills that need improving, and specific tasks that are challenging to you so you can grow and strengthen them.

So, if by chance the interviewer pops the timeless question, prying on your weaknesses or prior employer experiences, answer the question with firmness, confidence, and intelligence. For difficult questions centered on you, try to recall a trait of yours that could need improvement that isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Allison Doyle of the Balance writes, “The best way to answer questions about weaknesses is to be honest, positive, and focused on solutions.”

4. Express Gratitude While Reaffirming Your Interest: When following up on a job application, expressing gratitude to the employer can help you stand out and give them an idea of the type of person you are. When you follow up, be sure to thank them for their consideration and time reviewing you as a potential candidate for a position with their company. This will not only make you feel better but will also make a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Additionally, reaffirm your interest in the position by expressing your passion and ability to fill the position with your skillset and credentials. Allison Doyle of the Balance notes, “Thank-you letters allow you to sell yourself as a candidate. You can reference specific instances that may have come up in an interview. Use your thank-you letter to highlight the ways your skills and experience are a good match for the position.”

interview, job, boss, manager, employee, work

Image via Pexels

As you put yourself out into the job market, don’t forget the importance of the little things, such as dressing appropriately for your interview or sending out a thank you letter afterward. Doing so will undoubtedly make you stand out to your future employer and secure the job of your dreams!

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