There are moments in life when we require a new dream job. If you’re like most job seekers, you may think the key to landing a job is simply acing your interview. But there’s more to a successful job interview than just having a presentable appearance, clutching a well-crafted resume under your arm, and mulling over well-rehearsed answers to the possible questions the interviewer might ask.
It must be mentioned that present competitiveness in the job market is very high. Let’s be honest, everybody else applying for the job has an extraordinary resume, looks their best, and has all the answers off pat. So, what will make you stand out above the crowd?
Here are 11 great ideas to make a memorable (can be also remarkable) impression in your next interview to give you the edge in – getting that job!
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Before going to a job interview, it is important to be thoroughly familiar with a company you’re planning to work for. Do your research beforehand. If you don’t know much about the company, research it on the Internet. You need to be armed with as much knowledge as possible about the company, its day-to-day operations, and also about products/services. Get as much useful information as you can. This will give you the confidence to field any questions the interviewer might put to you about their business, and moreover show that you have a genuine interest in working for their company.
It’s always good to make a bold statement when going for a job interview. The colors that you wear can significantly influence an interviewer’s first opinion of you because colors subconsciously convey a variety of perceptions. Some colors might suggest an air of professionalism or authority, while others may have the opposite effect. However, be sure to wear something appropriate that conforms to the company’s dress code and culture. Certain colors suit certain professions better. For example, if you’re interviewing at a laidback tech start-up where T-shirts and flip-flops are the norm, then wearing a sober business suit will most likely be out of place.
The importance of arriving early for a job interview should be undoubtedly emphasized. It is extremely essential to have plenty of time to get to the interview location, factoring in heavy traffic or slow public transportation. You want to arrive 10 – 15 minutes before your interview starts so that you can get ready and get rid of those last-minute jitters. When you arrive, take a moment to collect yourself and have your resume on hand. The last thing you want is for the interviewer to walk in and see you anxiously riffling through your bag to find your resume!
Give examples of the cases when you have demonstrated these qualities. Be positive and don’t be afraid to promote yourself. Don’t be modest – you want the interviewer to remember you at the end of the interviewing process, so speak up! Highlight your strengths, but also be willing to touch briefly on areas for improvement. Show a willingness to be open and honest about your self-assessment, outlining lessons learned from past mistakes. Openness and honesty can be refreshing and will make a good and lasting impression.
If you are being interviewed by a company that prides itself in putting customers first, then be sure to give an answer which you believe will reinforce those values.
Integrate the company’s values in your answers to show that you know what their business is all about. For example, if the company believes in serving a diverse community and you’re asked why you want to work there, you could say something like “because I believe that companies should invest in people from all backgrounds, even those who have faced economic disadvantages.” This is the kind of statement that shows you’re aware of their core values.
Don’t be shy. This is your chance to introduce yourself as a valued employee for the company. Be detailed about your accomplishments and refer to previous examples which demonstrate you as a real professional. Listing your accomplishments is a good strategy because it shows the interviewer that you have tangible value to offer. For example, if you helped in the organization of volunteer charity events for your community, tell the interviewer about how the experience developed your leadership and organizational skills, a valuable skill set that will be passed to your new job. It shows that you’re a motivated individual who gets the most out of any situation.
Elaborate on your answers and make them as detailed as possible to show that, not only you do know what you’re talking about, but also that you are confident and well-informed to answer questions freely and in detail. Be sure to sprinkle your answers with examples from your own personal experiences. In your answers, explain how these examples relate to the job and the company in a way that shows that you truly want to work there and can add value to their current workforce.
Try to ask meaningful questions that will make you stand out from the other applicants. Questions are an indicator of just how involved and enthusiastic you are about their business. Asking topical and relevant questions about their company and its services will leave a favorable impression and clearly demonstrate that you sincerely want to learn more about the company, its future, its culture, and its products. It shows that you have taken the trouble to research the company and have a keen interest in its daily tasks.
You should be particularly mindful of your body language when being interviewed. Positive body language is very much part of the interviewing process and will give an astute interviewer an overall picture of you as a person, your general attitude, and your level of confidence. In any job interview, the way you carry yourself can play a significant role in whether you get the position or not. Sit up straight, have a relaxed, open posture and make eye contact to show him that you are confident and fully engaged in the conversation.
If you say something like “I have always wanted the opportunity to work for a company as well-established and respected as yours,” the interviewer will feel more convinced in giving you the job. Keep reinforcing the fact that you’re extremely interested in the position. It shows that you have an absolute desire to work there. Since they have spent many hours building their company from the ground up, positive comments about their products/services from you will definitely go a long way to make them more inclined to sign you up.
A job interview is not just about what you say, but also how you say it. The interviewer is trying to get to know the “real” you in a very short space of time, that’s why you need to create a relaxed, friendly environment at the outset. They should see you as the new staff member who is likable and easy to get along with. Feel free to weave into your answers some personal information about yourself. If they mention that they enjoy working with different types of people, let them know that you do as well. Being sympathetic can go a long way to clinching the deal and to be employed after all.
