- Research the company thoroughly
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Show enthusiasm
Interviews are notorious for being nerve-wracking, and these nerves can sometimes get in the way of you putting your best foot forward.
Suddenly, you’re so focused on getting through the interview and not saying anything wrong that you forget to take the time to showcase what makes you unique and why you could be an excellent fit for the role.
Preparing yourself and doing your best to stand out from the other candidates is key to a successful interview. If you’re a bundle of nerves, it will be hard for the interviewer to see what you can bring to the table.
If you want to make sure you stand out in your following interview, then here are seven proven tactics for how to do just that:
How Do You Get Past Interview Nerves?
But first, let’s tackle the challenge of overcoming nerves. Interviews can be tricky, but there are some things you can do to make sure you stay as calm as possible.
You should ask yourself why you’re feeling nervous. Is it because you don’t know the answers to the questions? Or are you afraid of being judged?
Once you identify your specific fears, it can be easier to come up with ways to face them head-on. For instance, if you are worried about not knowing the correct answers, you can spend more time researching the company and preparing for potential questions.
Remind yourself that nobody is forcing you to be there and that you have a choice. Don’t forget that you have decided to be at the interview for a reason.
Taking some time the previous night to do some simple self-care and preparation.
Some things you can do are:
- Get a good night’s sleep to make sure your brain is working at its best
- Eat a healthy breakfast to give yourself energy and focus
- Take some moments to do some deep breathing exercises before the interview so that you feel more relaxed.
Knowing that you have prepared well for your interview can be a great way to reduce your nerves and feel more confident in yourself.
Here’s seven proven tactics for how to stand out in an interview and secure that job:
1. Take Time to Prepare for Your Interview Properly
Before attending an interview, take some time to research the company or organization you are interviewing with. Knowing some basic history about the company can help you form questions and ensure that your answers are relevant.
You won’t be expected to know the ins and outs, but showing that you have taken the time to research and learn a bit about the company can impress interviewers.
Look into some common questions that the interviewers will likely ask you so you can come up with thoughtful answers. Preparation is key to standing out in any interview!
Don’t write a script for yourself or memorize your answers, but do make sure you have taken the time to practice and prepare so that you feel confident in your responses.
2. Be Confident, Even If You’re Nervous!
Showing confidence in an interview is essential to making a positive impression on potential employers.
Being confident means being prepared and feeling secure in your knowledge of what you have to offer them as an employee. It also means having faith in yourself – believing that you can handle any task and that your answers are valid and well-researched.
Showing your enthusiasm for the job and the company can also help show that you are confident in your answers.
If you still feel some interview nerves, try not to let them take over your thought. Accept that you’re nervous and remind yourself why you applied for the job in the first place.
3. Listen Carefully to the Interviewer
Focusing on what each member of the panel is saying will go a long way towards helping make sure that your responses are relevant and tailored directly to their questions or comments.
Listening attentively allows you to pick up on subtle cues or hints they may give regarding their expectations or thoughts on specific topics—and it also allows them to feel heard and appreciated during the conversation!
Additionally, it shows that you can think critically about their questions before answering them—this goes back to being confident in yourself and showing respect for those interviewing you.
4. Ask Thoughtful and Relevant Questions
Asking questions during an interview is vital for demonstrating that you have done research beforehand; it’s also essential for engaging with those questioning you beyond simply responding with yes or no answers!
It is an excellent opportunity to figure out whether this is a company you want to work for (remember, an interview is as much for you as it is for them).
Make sure to ask relevant and thoughtful questions and demonstrate your interest in the position. Don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm for the company or role—it can help you stand out from the competition.
Good Questions To Ask An Interviewer
if you’re stuck on what questions to ask the interviewer, here are some ideas:
- What type of training and support does the position offer?
- How is performance evaluated in this role?
- What challenges have you faced during your time at the company?
- What opportunities could I look forward to if I’m hired for this role?
- What are the essential qualities for someone in this role to possess?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- Is there anything else I can provide you with that would help you decide?
You don’t need to ask all these questions, but they can help you understand what type of inquiries will be well-received.
5. Be Honest & Open With the Interviewers
Honesty is always essential when interacting with potential employers – from telling them about past experiences relevant to answer any tough questions they might throw at you during an interview session!
Being truthful helps build trust between yourself and those interviewing – so don’t be afraid to open up about yourself (within reason) if asked – whether it’s discussing previous jobs, any challenges faced while working on projects, etc.
Honesty helps demonstrate integrity and authenticity – highly valued qualities all employers value!
6. Be Aware of Your Body Language & Signals
Your body language and signals during an interview can be just as important as the words you use.
Making sure to maintain good posture and eye contact with the interviewer shows that you are attentive and comfortable in the conversation.
It is also important to smile, nod your head and appear interested in what is being said — all of which convey a positive attitude and can help to boost your chances of success!
7. Emphasise Your Past Experience & Qualifications
Your experience and qualifications are essential factors when it comes to demonstrating your capabilities for a job.
Be sure to highlight relevant skills, knowledge and experiences you have gained throughout your career and discuss how they may benefit the company.
This will show employers that you are well-suited for the role and can give them an insight into how you can contribute to the team.
Summary: How To Stand out In An Interview and Secure Your Dream Job
Everyone gets anxious before an interview, especially for a job we want. Accepting your nerves and preparing in advance can help make a big difference on the day.
Preparing as best you can with research, practice interviewing, and coming up with thoughtful questions is vital.
Once you’re in the interview room, make sure to be honest and open about your experiences, maintain good body language and emphasize your experience and qualifications.
Doing all this will help ensure that you stand out from the crowd and give you the best chance of securing that position.
FAQs
What do you say during an interview to stand out?
To stand out during an interview, it’s essential to be prepared with research on the company and role, practice your responses beforehand and come up with thoughtful questions.
Additionally, ensure you are honest and open about your experiences, maintain good body language and emphasize your experience and qualifications.
How can I impress an interviewer?
Show the interviewer that you know key information about their company and the role you are applying for. Showcase your skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the job you are applying for.
How do you stand out from other interview candidates?
You can stand out from other interview candidates by demonstrating your knowledge, enthusiasm, and professional attitude.
Additionally, show the interviewer that you are passionate about the role, ask thoughtful questions, and emphasize any relevant experience or qualifications you have.
How do you stand out in an interview with no experience?
If you don’t have much experience, make sure to emphasize the qualities and skills you possess that can benefit the role. Highlight any achievements, projects, or volunteer work you have done in the past and discuss why these experiences are relevant to the job.
Additional Tips
• Ask thoughtful questions about the role and company.
• Be aware of how you come across in terms of dress, mannerisms, and body language.
• Make sure to practice responding to potential interview questions beforehand.
• Show your enthusiasm and knowledge for the position and industry.
• Demonstrate any relevant experience or qualifications you have.
• Highlight any achievements, projects, or volunteer work you have done.
• Research the company thoroughly before attending an interview.
Carefully consider each question before answering it – take time to think through your responses and ensure they are honest and accurate. Avoid using clichés or trying to give vague answers.
How to Answer Typical Interview Questions
• What can you bring to this role?
I’m confident that my skills and experiences suit this role well. I have a good understanding of the industry, strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and great attention to detail. Additionally, I have a lot of enthusiasm and passion for the role and am a fast learner.
• What interests you about this position?
I’m interested in the challenges of this position and the opportunity to use my skills and experience to help achieve the company’s goals. Additionally, I’m keen to learn more about the industry and gain further expertise.
• How would your colleagues describe you?
My colleagues describe me as reliable, conscientious, hard-working, and friendly. I have an excellent working relationship with my team members, great communication skills, and always strive for results.
• Why did you leave your last job?
In my last role, I felt I had achieved all I could and was looking to take on new challenges. I wanted to gain more experience and broaden my skillset, so I’m applying for this position.
• What are your weaknesses?
My biggest weakness is that I sometimes struggle to delegate tasks effectively. However, I am actively improving my ability to manage workloads and efficiently assign tasks to team members. Additionally, I am always open to feedback and willing to learn from my mistakes.
• Describe a difficult situation you faced in the workplace
In my previous role, I had been asked by a senior manager to finish an urgent project within a tight deadline. This project required me to develop a complex digital strategy and coordinate with multiple teams. I completed the project on time by staying organized and breaking down the tasks into manageable pieces. I proactively communicated with my team members to ensure everyone was on track.
• What is your ideal job?
My ideal job would be a role where I could use my skills and experience to contribute to an engaged and dynamic team environment. I’m looking for a challenging yet rewarding position in an industry that values innovation and collaboration. Ultimately, I hope to find a job where I can develop personally and professionally while positively impacting the company’s success.
Overall, ensure you are prepared for whatever questions come your way in the interview. Be honest and confident in your answers, and research the company beforehand. Good luck!