It’s important in a job interview to ensure you stand out. The goal is to leave no doubt that you are the only candidate that a hiring manager should consider. You need to show that you are different. Beyond using the STAR Interview Method and answering behavioral-based interview questions well, there are a few final items that you should do to separate yourself further from the competition.
Offer Something Unique to Stand Out in Your Next Job Interview
To ensure you stand out, it’s essential to do something memorable with your interview. What can you bring to the interview experience that other candidates might not consider? Whether it’s a presentation espousing the virtues of why the interviewer should choose you or a 60-day roadmap explaining how you would improve the team’s performance, dare to be different. Everyone goes through the same templated interview process. Keep yourself top-of-mind by bringing something unique and different to the interview. By preparing a short presentation, you might be able to lead the conversation throughout the interview, too, ensuring you get to cover the examples you prepared in advance as well.
Ask Questions
Interviews are also a two-way street. Sure, the hiring manager wants to know more about you as a candidate. But don’t you want to learn more too? You should also be interviewing them to determine whether the role or company is something that you want to spend the next number of years potentially doing.
Nothing annoys me more than asking a candidate if they have any questions, and they say no. As a hiring manager, I expect that candidates will come prepared with questions. Not only does it show their interest in the opportunity, but it also helps me understand what’s most important to them.
Going into your interview, you should come up with at least three questions to ask the interviewer. I recommend having more prepared, though, if your question is answered throughout your interview. Don’t be a chump in asking questions that clearly can be explained by looking on the company’s website, either. Nothing will expose you as someone unprepared, clearly asking questions you should already know the answer to as well. Bring a book with you to write down the answer. Below are a few questions you could ask the interviewer. Doing so will help you stand out during the job interview.
- How is this role measured? How will I know if I am successful?
- What is the training and onboarding process like?
- What’s your favorite part of working for this company?
- What’s one of the biggest challenges facing this organization?
- How does this role connect to the higher-level company objectives?
- What do most new hires do in their first few months that help them be successful?
- How would you describe your (or the team leader’s) approach to managing and leading?
Follow Up
Lastly, and this is something many people miss, follow up after the job interview. A well-timed email thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to connect and share is most appreciated and helps you stand out. Doing this simple act demonstrates both your professionalism and customer service skills. Regardless of the position or how well you think the interview went, doing this can make a world of difference.
In the past, when I would interview for positions, I always had a drafted email ready to send thanking the interviewers for their time. They didn’t have to choose to interview for this role, as there are always lots of other candidates. Maybe following up after the interview leads to the next round of interviews or separates you from the competition. If anything, it helps bring you more top of mind as well. I’ve hired someone because they had followed up when their competition didn’t do anything different too. It was the extra touch to put them ahead of the other candidates. Remember, the goal is to separate yourself from the competition and stand out during a job interview.
Putting It Together
Using the tactics shared in my e-book, you stand a higher chance of successfully nailing your interview. Don’t go into an interview unprepared. It’s much better to prepare for an opportunity and be ready than have an opportunity and not be ready. The more you can prep and demonstrate you are the right person for the role, the more likely you will be successful. Remember, any interview’s goal is always the same – leave no doubt that you are the right person for the opportunity.
You need to ensure that you stand out and differentiate from the competition. Prioritize learning as much as possible about the opportunity, the company, and the industry in advance of your interview. You will want to look, sound, and act the part. Using the STAR Interview Method, prep and prepare answers to questions that might apply to the role you are interviewing for. Don’t memorize your answers as you will want everything to feel more natural. Be clear, specific, and concise with your answers, too, ensuring you don’t ramble and lose your interviewer’s interest. To be unique and leave a lasting impression with the interviewer, bring something to provide additional value like a presentation, portfolio, letters of recommendation, or a plan for success.
Final Thoughts on Standing Out During a Job Interview
Since interviews are a chance for you to determine whether the role is a good fit for you, you need to come ready with questions to help decide whether this is something, if offered, you would want to do. Lastly, follow up with a brief email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to share and learn more about yourself and the role. No one cares more about your career than you do. I would also love to hear about your experiences with implementing these steps too.
If you want further help or coaching assistance, visit evolvingmanagement.com today. For additional solutions, visit chrishanna.ca, too. Every week I also feature tips to help people improve their impact, productivity, and performance on my podcast – The Chris Hanna Show. The podcast is available for download on all major podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.
I would also love to hear about your experiences with implementing these steps too. Feel free to connect with me at chris.hanna@evolvingmanagement.com or follow me on social media.
Good luck with your next interview. I know that by following this guide, you can have the success you want. Land your dream job!
