How to stand out in a job interview

(3-minute read)

6 things that will differentiate you as a top candidate

Great news! I recently landed a new position within my company and I want to share a few interview tips I’ve learned over the years that – I believe – have helped me secure this, and previous, roles.

Listen, I get nervous just like anyone else going into an interview room but I’ve been fortunate to receive feedback from interviewers that has helped me differentiate myself as a valuable asset.

Be authentic.

I cannot stress this enough! As a personal brand ambassador, you all know how highly I rate the importance of being yourself. Even if you and 50 other people are doing the same thing, they will never be able to do it like you because you are you! People can sniff out fakeness as easily as a dirty diaper. When you try to be something you are not in an interview, your answers will never be quite right, you’ll stumble trying to think of what “this persona” would say or do, and the company will never know who they are truly getting because of your false advertising.

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Ask questions.

You are interviewing the company as much as it is interviewing you. So, be prepared with a list of questions you can weave into the discussion. There are many important factors besides salary and benefits that you should consider before joining an organization; like company culture, the demographic breakdown of the C-suite, career development support, and technology, to name a few. Join MG Insiders to get a list of my top questions to ask during an interview. Your engagement will show headhunters that you are interested in more than just your job description and keep “them” honest by providing more than just vague or boilerplate responses. You shouldn’t be phoning it in, and neither should they!

Research the company and position thoroughly.

Look beyond the job description and company homepage. Depending on the position, it might be pertinent for you to look up annual reports from previous years to see how the company has performed financially. Check if the company publishes a diversity report—many companies are now—to see the statistic breakdown of employees, Google any lawsuits, and read employee reviews on glassdoor. During the interview, it may even be prudent to ask why the position is available – there may be history that is important for you to understand.

Don’t undersell or oversell yourself.

This is a delicate balance. Don’t be shy about touting the amazing attributes that make you worthy of the role BUT be careful not to do it in a way that is boastful or arrogant. Your resume should list your experience, qualifications, and skills and the discussion should provide context and perspective around that list. Think of ways to tie your value into the company’s culture, values, or mission statement. This way, you walk that line right in the middle of humility and personal marketing.

Be confident.

Confidence [not arrogance] is absolutely essential to presenting yourself as a top candidate. The company wants to know you can speak intelligently and represent it with surety and poise. Your resume already rose above the sea of others and you made it to the interview phase, so you deserve to be at that table [or Zoom square as the case may be]. I don’t want you to think I’m telling you not to be nervous – it’s natural in this environment – but you should not be intimidated or terrified. You are genuinely just having a conversation with another human being. Take the power away from the situation by sucking the fear right out of that moment.

Presentation is everything.

There is a reason this quote is so popular. In an interview, you need to walk the talk. If your presentation is disheveled or inappropriate, it’s hard for the company to match up your words to your image and envision you as an employee. It’s the same reason realtors pay staging companies to fit out a home with furnishings and decor so potential buyers can imagine themselves in the space—building a life there. So, dress professionally [even if the job is blue-collar, a pair of khakis wouldn’t kill you], comb your hair, wear “lite” makeup and jewelry so you shine through, and practice good hygiene. Now, depending on the industry, like fashion, for example, you should take the opportunity and show your creativity. Just keep in mind, at the end of the day this is about you, and nothing should overshadow that.