Are you a fresh graduate, a professional, or a freelancer looking forward to a job interview, whether physically or virtually? If yes, this blog post will guide you on how to stand out in a job interview now and beyond.
Many graduates and professionals are unable to get their dream jobs, not because they are not competent enough but because they fail in job interviews.
How to stand out in a job or project interview is a skill every graduate and professional should master.
Knowing how to do well in any interview is crucial to anyone's career.
If you want to stand out in your next job interview and get your dream job, these powerful interview secrets are crucial to your success.
Let's get right into it.
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How To Stand Out In A Job Interview
SECRET 1: Research Your Prospective Company
The number secret you need to know if you must stand out in a job interview is to research your prospective company.
Most of the time, it is not about you but about them. So, you need to have solid information about the company than other candidates (your competitors).
Before you go to the interview, know the mission statement of the company, its vision, goal, background history, and target market of the company.
That will give you confidence and show that thoughtful and truly interested to become a member of their team.
SECRET 2: Review The Job Description
Here is one of the most important aspects many job seekers do not give much attention to. Meanwhile, it matters in any job interview.
Read and understand the job description before going to the interview.
Review the job description and clearly understand the requirements for the available position or role.
Write down the skills, qualifications, and experience you have that prove that you are the right candidate for the job.
Many interviewers love job seekers who take their time to read the job description and adhere to instructions.
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SECRET 3: Dress Decently To The Interview
"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." Your dressing matters a lot.
Pick the right dress and dress code that is fit and appropriate for the interview.
Dressing nice and looking good contributes to your confidence. And make sure you leave a great impression on your interviewers.
SECRET 4: Treat The Job Interview Like A Conversation
If you want to stand out in a job interview, the interview should not be a question and answer or quiz event.
The company is trying to find the best candidate for a particular role or position it is a great avenue for you to find out if the company is right for you too.
So, treat it like a conversation and go with great questions to ask the interviewers.
You don't have to wait till the end of the interview before you ask questions. Sometimes, you can end some of your answers with questions for the interviewers.
SECRET 5: Prepare For Regular Job Interview Questions
One of the best ways to stand out in a job interview is to come prepared with perfect answers to the interview questions.
Meanwhile, you may not know the exact questions the interviewers will ask, but you can increase your chance of doing well by researching some common interview questions.
Most interviewers ask questions like:
- Why should we hire you?
- What interests you in the role?
- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
- What are the unique challenges you've overcome?
- What is your biggest weakness?
- If I call your previous or current employers, what would they say about you?
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SECRET 6: Get All Necessary Documents Needed For The Interview
Some job interviewers may instruct you to bring some extra documents to the interview. Make sure to get them ready.
If your interview is remote, check all the necessary tools needed and find a quiet place.
Make sure your webcam is working perfectly, find a clean and beautiful background, and give your undivided attention.
You can practice with a friend or relative to ensure everything goes as planned.
SECRET 7: Bring A 30-60-90 Days Plan
What will you do and achieve for the company in the next 30 or 60 or 90 days if you are hired?
Remember, the position is available not because they need someone to fill a role or position but because they want to get particular results for the company.
How will you learn the position and speed up quickly? (Many employers always look forward to this).
What value will you add to the company in your first 30 or 60 or 90 days?
How will you use your skills, experience, qualifications, and potential to help the company reach their goals?
Write down all plans and visions for the company in a separate document and present them to your interviewers.
With this, you have a great chance to stand out because most job seekers are not doing this.
SECRET 8: Ask Unique And Amazing Questions
Many job seekers neglect to ask questions in a job interview.
How can you be sure the job is the right fit for you if you don't ask questions?
A common mistake many job seekers make is asking the wrong questions that cost them their dream jobs.
Avoid asking about vacation days, salary, working hours, bonuses, and other questions that are not work-related.
Ask questions about the job, the team, the training you will receive, and the company in general.
SECRET 9: Have A Great Body Language
Your body language matters if you want to stand out in a job interview.
It is human nature to judge a book by its cover. That is, people will judge your outside before your inside.
Walk and talk with confidence, smile, and look happy to be in the interview.
SECRET 10: Send A "Thank You" Email After The Interview And Follow Up
Follow up and thank them for their time and effort. Reaffirm that you are interested in the position, and let them know you are eager to hear feedback from them.
Make sure you do this on the day or the second day of the interview.
Send a personalized email to them so that they will know it is not a copy and paste template you get somewhere.
Conclusion
To stand out in a job interview requires you to know some important things your competitors do not know. You need to have a strong desire to learn new things faster.
The job interview secrets above will make you stand out from the crowd in any job interview you attend.
Take your time to read again and adjust in any area you need to adjust.
Good luck in your current or next job interview!
