We all know that job interviews can be incredibly stressful. There’s a lot at stake and only a short amount of time to make your case. Add to that the fact that there are a number of opportunities to make a mistake.
Preparing in advance will help you feel calm and confident, and there are a few strategies you can use that are guaranteed to help you stand out from your competition. Here are four ways to stand out in your next job interview.
Always prepare for your job interview
Most people know they need to show up to the interview having done their homework, but a lot of people still don’t prepare enough. You should find out as much as possible about the company, how it’s organised, its culture, the relevant industry trends, and some information about the interviewer. This will allow you to demonstrate that you have what it takes to fill the role.
Be human
Landing a job is not a mechanical process where if you make yourself the most “presentable” or “professional” you get the job. You’re not dealing with an interview computer software that is 100% unbiased, you’re dealing with a human being who is basing 99% of their decision to hire you on how they feel about you. You want to treat the interview like a conversation, not an interrogation. You want to relate to the interviewer, develop a connection and have a back-and-forth dialogue.
Be excited about the position
An important part of your interview is your level of enthusiasm. Many job seekers put such a strong focus on their inventory of skills and stories that they forget to really show the interviewer their passion for the job. Many candidates will be qualified; you want to be qualified and excited about the job.
Try to get rid of nervous habits
It’s natural to feel nervous about a job interview. Someone is about to scrutinise your appearance, mannerisms, what you say, and how you say it. Unfortunately, your nervous habits can really sabotage your performance on the big day. If you aren’t careful, the interviewer will be so distracted by your nervous habits that he won’t even remember your strengths and qualifications.
In today’s job market, it’s crucial to set yourself apart because companies are interviewing so many people for each position, so make sure you’re always doing something differently than other candidates to stand out in your interviews.
Following these suggestions won’t guarantee that you’ll get your dream job, but it should at least allow you to leave an excellent and memorable impression upon your interviewers. And that’s a great place to start.
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