How to stand out in an interview? 

It is said that ‘First impression is the last impression’. A job interview gives you the opportunity to leave an initial mark in an organisation, and you need to prove yourself to get that position. In the present cut-throat job market, you need to work hard to stand out from others in terms of your hard skills and soft skills. By effectively presenting your knowledge and skills with the right body language leaves a remarkable impression on the interviewer and improves your chance of securing the job. The employer might check how familiar you are with the organisation and your motivation for applying for this job. The following are some of the points you can work upon to stand out in an interview: 

Do your Research  

Explore the organisation you are planning to get into, as it will help you understand the company’s culture, goals, requirements, achievements, and other details. Go through the organisation’s vision and mission statements, history, and interest group to give a reasonable reaction. 

Exhibit how you can add value to the organization. 

The employer looks for candidates who can add value to the organisation and in the due course of time proves to be ideal for the group. So, highlight your abilities as well as personal traits, as they are significant and can be the determining parameters for the final round of the interview. Make the best use of the opportunity to showcase your strengths, achievements, and abilities. Talk with certainty and authority about your skills and work insights and how you can benefit the organisation. Plan and demonstrate a career objective for yourself and how it will benefit the organization. 

Bring a hard copy of your resume with a cover letter 

The recruitment managers go through several resumes at the time of shortlisting the candidates. It is possible that they have forgotten what made them give you a call for the interview. So, the resume and cover letter in hand serve the purpose of giving them a fresh look at why they picked you. 

Describe more than your resume 

The employer has previously perused your resume, so they know the nuts and bolts about your education qualification, work experience, and abilities. The interview is the right opportunity to give some extra information about your distinguished qualities and talents. Use this opportunity to give more insights into your previous accomplishments. Explain how you helped overcome tough situations, provided valuable inputs, and the recognition you received from your previous employer(s). This will help you in making a place for yourself.  

Speak genuinely and confidently 

Avoid giving the usual answers or just saying what the employer wants to hear. Such kind of answers can make you seem dishonest or tricky, and neither will help you with pushing ahead in the interview. What will help you stand apart is talking honestly and being your genuine self. All things considered, not simply abilities and experience will get you the job, it is the impact you create in the given time that sets you apart from the rest. 

Focus on your non-verbal communication 

Your non-verbal communication says a lot, and it’s equally important as your verbal communication. Focus on your body language, appearance, and the way you use gestures and posture. Good posture and strong eye contact likewise help you in establishing a decent connection. Remember, you might be fluent and confident but if you are not maintaining your posture, you might lose the opportunity. The same goes for eye contact in case you are not maintaining the eye contact and looking elsewhere while talking gives the impression that you are either nervous or lying.  

Show your enthusiasm by asking the right questions 

In case the interviewer gives you the opportunity to ask something, grab the chance to show your willingness and dedication to get the job by asking questions related to the organisation. For e.g. You can ask questions related to the work culture, organisational hierarchy, future goals, etc. By making inquiries that will give you an understanding of what it is like to work for the organisation, you are showing the employer that you are really intrigued by the job. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to know the organisation better. Avoid questions regarding perks and leave policies in the initial phase, such queries should only be asked when your candidature is confirmed. 

Dress sense 

The way you dress for the interview should match the clothing regulation of the working environment. Dress in formal attire. If you cannot say much about what the clothing standard is, go with business casuals. Clothing should be neat, clean, and pressed. Avoid bright and flashy colours. Make sure your hair is neatly combed and set. 

Go to your interview venue early 

Reach the venue before time to avoid the last-minute hassle. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents. Being right on time for your interview shows the employer that you can be relied upon to fulfill time constraints and are ready to face any challenge.  

Depict your accomplishments 

During the interview, you should highlight your achievements. In a humble way, relate the various outcomes you’ve created in your past jobs. Take the period of the last five years in such cases. You will need to stress your methodology and how your abilities and experience are useful for your new job. 

Lastly, have the confidence to get things done in your favour and learn from the present interview experience.  

Conclusion

Regardless of how knowledgeable and resourceful you are, it’s important that you present yourself and convey your abilities to the interviewer in an effective manner. Your soft skills, body language, and the way you conduct yourself during the interview are equally important as your technical skills and subject knowledge. Being punctual, attentive, dignified, and confident helps you leave a good impression and stand out in an interview.