If you’re interviewing for a job opportunity, the best and most important thing you can do is stand out from the pack (in a good way, of course). Most likely, many if not all of the applicants will have the same qualifications as you, so you’ll need to make yourself shine brighter than all the others. But how, especially when you really, really want the job? You can do this by proving that you—and you alone—are the perfect fit. Here’s what you can do.
5 Ways to Stand Out During an Interview
If you’ve found the most perfect job for you—your dream job, even—you want to make sure you get it, right? You can improve your chances of getting hired in the following five ways:
Learn about the company culture.
For a 100 percent perfect company fit, you’ll need to know more about the culture. Of course, this should be easy since, if you’re like many people, the company’s culture was one of the reasons you decided you wanted the job in the first place. You’ll probably be able to find cultural information right in the job post, but if not, you can also search the company’s website to learn more. Then, during your interview, let the hiring manager know exactly why you fit in perfectly.
Connect with the person who will be interviewing you.
If you can connect on common grounds during your interview, you’ll be more likely to stand out in the mind of the person who interviewed you, and that’s good. It will also make your interview go more smoothly. If you can, find out more about this person by reading their bio on the company website, checking out their social media posts, or simply Googling them. Good topics of conversation (if you have them in common) could be sports teams, television shows, hobbies and past times, cities or states in which you’ve lived, or colleges you’ve attended.
Network at the company before your interview.
This is when you’ll need to use your professional network. Check Linked In and talk to your friends and colleagues for a coworker you have in common at the company. Then, reach out to that person for an informational interview to learn more the company and even about the open position to which you’ve applied (if possible). Just remember to keep it light, friendly and always professional.
Prove that you’re highly qualified.
How do your skills, knowledge and past work experience specifically qualify you for this job? How have your passions in life prepared you for this very moment (e.g., you’ve always wanted to do this since you were a little kid, etc.)? How can you benefit this company through your work? These are all things you’ll want to explain to the interviewer.
GET EXCITED.
By all means, show your enthusiasm. You are your own cheerleader and you’ll need to be upbeat and positive—after all, you’re interviewing for a job that ignites your passion and creativity, and with every bone in your body, you want them to hire you! So, go forward with energy and confidence—and present yourself as the person they’ve been looking for.
Go get ‘em!
Practice your interview skills to build your confidence, dress for success, put on a big smile and go get that job! You’ve worked hard to arrive at this point, and you owe it to yourself to do your very best.
For all your job search needs, check out Snelling Georgia Group
When you’re looking for a new position that’s just right for you, just reach out to the staffing experts at Snelling Georgia Group. We’ll work with you for a job you love. To learn more, contact one of our experienced recruiters today.
