Job Interview Time: 15 Ways to Make Yourself Stand Out in Interviews

Sam Mire

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With an estimated 7.1 million Americans out of work, it’s clear that this country has no shortage of poor interviewers. Sure, applications get lost in the shuffle. The economy is probably not as robust as official numbers suggest. But a heck of a lot of our compatriots are just, simply, blowing the interview process.

The interview process has evolved in ways that would have been unimaginable even in the early 1990s. Yet, in many ways, the keys to acing an interview have not changed at all. There are at least 15 steps you can take to, at the very least, make it one step closer to final cuts. 

1. Research the Interviewer Specifically

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You may not have the most impressive resume or the most applicable experience. You can, however, show the most preparedness of all the interviewees in the candidate pool. While most serious candidates will have researched the company, have they researched the employer?

It’s not creepy to peruse the interviewer’s Linkedin, look at their work history, and pick out some interesting highlights or points of similarity to bring up during the interview. Linkedin exists for a reason (as does the internet more broadly), and showing interest in the interviewer specifically is just another way to differentiate yourself from the pack. 

2. Prepare to Talk About Yourself (The Real You)

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At some point, the interviewer will ask you who you are. One Ivy League expert recommends thinking about what your strengths are, and how those strengths relate to what the company needs from you. 

You might name your position (accountant), share a sentence or two about responsibilities you’ve had (specifically, those that would translate to the role you seek), and cap it off with two or three traits that make you an excellent fit for the position in question.

3. For the Love of God, Learn Something About the Employer

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It’s shocking the number of people who take the time to apply, and even show up to an interview, but won’t take 15 minutes to conduct intel on the employer they’re asking to invest in them.

Identify a successful marketing campaign or business venture. Memorize a couple hyper-specific bullet points about that campaign or venture. Find an organic way to bring up how much that successful venture resonated with (or, if you’re not scared of a brown nose, inspired) you. Don’t necessarily blurt the bullet points out immediately upon meeting the interview, either—make it more subtle so as not to appear disingenuous.

4. Have a Brief, Meaningful Introduction Ready

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Getting started can be the most difficult part of an interview. While your appearance is impression 1-A, the first sentence or two you utter are impression 1-B. 

Have a meaningful icebreaker ready, which may include a “Hello,” a quick introduction using your name, and a line like “I have been following your company for eight years, I’m a big fan of your X initiative.” This should kick-start the interview process, endear you to the interviewer, and immediately communicate your serious interests in the role.

5. Pay for a Haircut and Wear Your Best

Interview
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This seems like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how many applicants believe a quick brush through the hair and a decade-old Polo are sufficient. Employers seek someone who is going to care about their job, and communicating your care begins at the interview.

A $30 haircut and a shirt with a tie are an easy, affordable step to leave the right impression. Your appearance, and clothing in particular, signal the position you aspire to occupy. When you’re quite literally seeking a position you want to occupy, then, the importance of your appearance is obvious.

6. Don’t Try to Portray Strengths as Weaknesses

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Interviewers have heard some version of “my biggest weakness is that I care too much” ten thousand times, and the ten thousandth version was no more clever than the 9,999th. 

Those who cite real, bona fide weaknesses during the interview process show the type of introspection and willingness to improve that employers seek. Those who say “my greatest weakness is coworkers being jealous of me” indicate the opposite.  

7. Ask What Mistakes You Can Avoid If You Were to Get the Job

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One seasoned job-attainer has found that, when the interviewer asks if you have any questions, you should look forward. Assume you have the job, and are already seeking constructive criticism.

More specifically, they suggest asking “What mistakes often hinder those who have this position?” or “What pitfalls should I look to avoid if and when I am in this role?” This will show both confidence and receptivity to constructive feedback.

8. Show Up Early

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If you show up late to an interview, why even bother?

While some interviewers will give leeway if your excuse is valid enough, you’d be wise not to gamble. And, as poor an impression as tardiness makes, showing up fifteen minutes early can create the inverse impression. Being early shows you are serious about the position, you value others’ time, and that you belong among the upper echelons of interviewees.

9. Bring Physical Copies

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Remember, you’re looking for every opportunity to exhibit preparedness. Having physical copies of your resume, work samples, CV, and any other relevant documents is an opportunity that most other interviewees will let slip.

A competent lawyer wouldn’t show up to trial without supporting evidence. You shouldn’t arrive at your interview without physical, supporting proof of your worthiness.

10. Prepare Some of Your Tangible Accomplishments

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Experience is important, but a job history does not tell a specific enough story. Before your interview, you should rehearse your CliffsNotes of several tangible professional accomplishments you’re most proud of—ideally, those accomplishments will apply directly to the position you’re seeking.

Better yet, briefly explain to the interviewer why your professional highlights display your fitness for the job in question. Lead a horse to water.

11. Be in Tune with Your Body

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Interviewees spend hours thinking about their verbal language in advance of an interview. Their body language may be just as important, so give it due attention.

An interviewer may assess your body to determine if you’re being truthful, if you’re confident in your ability to fulfill professional duties, and whether you have leadership qualities—and that’s just for starters. Posture and breathing are among the most important cues the interviewer will evaluate. 

12. Prepare Your Questions in Advance (and Make Them Good)

Interview

We generally think of an interview as a one-way exercise, but it doesn’t have to be. When the interviewer opens the session up for questions, it’s your turn to take control and escape the rigid confines of the interviewer’s interrogation.

Ask a couple questions that are hyper-specific, thoughtful, and relevant. You will show the interviewer you’ve prepared, are a critical thinker, and will be thirsty for constructive feedback if they decide to hire you.

13. Match the Interviewer’s Style and Cadence

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You may have heard phrases like “meet logic with logic and emotion with emotion.” During an interview, strive to meet the interviewer at their preferred mode of communication.

If the interviewer is slow and deliberate, let them be so. You must exercise restraint, refrain from cutting them off, and mirror their communication style. If the interviewer speaks at a faster pace, you may sense urgency and make sure to get right to the point. 

14. Have a Story About Yourself Ready (One That Makes You Seem Human)

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When seeking entry into university, applicants are typically asked to write an essay. Opinions vary regarding how much weight the essay has, but we know this: If two candidates have the same scores, grades, and ethnicities, the essay can be a deal breaker.

The same can be true of job candidates. If you weave into the interview a compelling story that exhibits vulnerability, resilience, and any number of other desirable traits, it could put you over the top.

15. Healthy Eye Contact Communicates Interest and Professionalism

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We generally assume something is off when someone does not make consistent eye contact. Whether they are poorly socialized, being deceptive, or on drugs, failure to meet one’s gaze is typically a red flag.Your eye contact should be immediate, natural, interactive, but not too intense. Without such visual connection, even the most qualified candidate should not expect to get the job.

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