11 Interview Tips That Will Help You Stand Out And Get The Job

Preparing for an interview involves multiple steps, and you want to ensure that you present yourself as the best candidate for the role.

Here are 11 essential interview tips that will help you differentiate yourself from other candidates and successfully secure the job:

Key Takeaways:

• Conduct thorough research on the company and align your qualifications with their needs.

• Practice your interview responses with a friend or family member before the interview day, utilizing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for effective answers.

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to prepare and settle your nerves before the interview.

• Establish genuine connections with your interviewer to leave a lasting impression.

11 Tips to Stand Out at an Interview

1. Research the company before your interview. There are numerous ways to investigate a company before your interview. Start by exploring the company’s website to understand its tone and workplace culture.

   • Review their social media engagement to see how they interact with followers. Research the founder, CEO, or other executives on LinkedIn for additional insights.

   • Reach out to industry contacts in your network to gather their perspectives on the company.

   • Be prepared to answer the common interview question, “What do you know about our company?” This research not only helps you answer questions but also positions you as a strong cultural fit.

2. Learn about the interviewer. Investigate the background of the person you’ll be meeting. Determine whether they are an HR rep, the department director, or the CEO, and check their LinkedIn profile for insights into their career history.

   • Understanding the interviewer’s background allows you to connect on a deeper level and address their specific interests.

   • If interviewing with a CEO or founder, emphasize your significant achievements. Conversely, if your interviewer is your future supervisor, focus on your ability to manage daily responsibilities effectively.

3. Prepare for common interview questions. While you don’t want to sound robotic, practicing answers to frequently asked questions is beneficial.

   • Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions to ensure you respond appropriately.

   • While you can’t anticipate every question, many revolve around themes like conflict resolution, challenges, accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses. Prepare at least one story for each category to demonstrate your experience and self-awareness.

   • Utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to formulate clear and coherent answers.

4. Plan ahead. Decide on your attire, travel arrangements, any materials you wish to bring, and your pre- and post-interview activities.

   • Review the job description again to prepare how you will highlight your qualifications. With logistics handled, you can concentrate on your interview performance.

   • Engage in activities like walking, staying hydrated, or listening to music to cultivate a confident mindset. Aim to arrive about fifteen minutes early to collect your thoughts.

   • If you arrive earlier than planned, take time to relax instead of cramming last-minute information, as this can increase anxiety.

5. Show your personality. No interviewer has ever thought, “Wow, that candidate was incredibly dull. Let’s hire them!”

   While professionalism is crucial, showcasing your personality helps you stand out. Use questions like “What motivates you?” to reveal your character while maintaining a semi-professional tone.

6. Ask questions during the interview. Engage in a dialogue rather than waiting until the end to ask questions.

   • Incorporate your questions naturally into the conversation as topics arise. If your questions are covered, note them for later.

   • When it’s your turn to ask questions, focus on any remaining topics or logistical inquiries like “When will you make a hiring decision?”

   • By asking questions throughout, you foster a relaxed atmosphere that can bolster your confidence.

7. Accept a beverage if offered. While bringing your own drink to an interview is unprofessional, accepting what’s offered demonstrates composure.

   Maintaining a relaxed demeanor helps showcase your suitability for the role. Plus, it’s natural to accept a drink to stay hydrated during a lengthy discussion.

8. Choose a convenient interview time. The timing of your interview can influence its outcome, so consider the interviewer’s schedule.

   • Avoid being the first or last interview of the day. Interviewers may be distracted by tasks or personal obligations.

   • Steer clear of pre-lunch and post-lunch meetings. These slots can lead to rushed interactions or delays.

   • Don’t schedule interviews before or after holidays. Interviewers may be preoccupied with upcoming time off.

   Mid-morning on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is typically the best time for interviews. Asking for a time that suits the interviewer shows your consideration.

9. Give yourself a pep talk. Remind yourself of your strengths and why you deserve the role.

   • Before entering, vocalize your qualifications and self-worth, reinforcing your confidence.

   • Consider using “power poses” to boost your self-assurance, but avoid doing them in the interview room.

10. Focus on making a connection. Aim to build a genuine rapport with the interviewer rather than solely impressing them.

    • This approach signals friendliness and strong soft skills, which employers value.

    • Engage in meaningful small talk that relates to the company or the interviewer’s background.

    • Utilize visual cues from your surroundings to initiate conversation.

11. Send a follow-up email. Always follow up with a thank-you email to your interviewer.

    Send this email within 24 hours while the discussion is fresh in their mind. Express gratitude for their time and reiterate your interest. A well-crafted thank you letter can set you apart from other candidates.

    Avoid sending it immediately after the interview to prevent appearing desperate. Instead, personalize your message by referencing a unique moment from your conversation.

Interview Tips FAQ

1. How early should you arrive for an interview?

   Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early is ideal. This allows you to relax before the interview. Arriving too early may reflect poor time management and can pressure the interviewer.

2. What is the STAR method?

   The STAR method helps structure your responses effectively. It stands for:

   • Situation. Set the context for your story; keep this brief.

   • Task. Explain your specific role in the situation with key points.

   • Action. Detail the actions you took to address the issue; this should be the most extensive part of your response.

   • Result. Share the outcomes of your actions, highlighting significant achievements.

3. Should I bring notes to an interview?

   Yes, bringing notes is a good idea. Include questions for the interviewer or key points to discuss. Taking notes during the interview demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the company.

Final Thoughts

While the standard best practices for job interviews remain relevant, there are additional strategies you can employ to enhance your chances in the hiring process.

By following these tips, you will be well-equipped to excel in your interview and secure the job.

References

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.