HOW TO STAND OUT IN AN INTERVIEW | A SIMPLE GUIDE

 

What if I told you that the majority of recruiters are looking for candidates ten times better than the job requirements? "What if mine is not up to that?" is undoubtedly what you're thinking, and I understand. 

 Now consider this: even if you might not be ten times better, your careful writing of your CV and cover letter, along with your performance in the interview, may show that you are. 

 Many claim that providing correct answers to questions might help one ace an interview. In this context, "correctly" refers to providing the right response to a question in the proper manner. And, according to others, how you interact and dress for an interview can influence how well you do in it. Others have several reasons. 

There is no perfect approach to ace an interview, but it is clear that the most important factor is how you position yourself in comparison to other competitors. 

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN INTERVIEW? 

 As the world becomes more digitally accessible and competitive, every job seeker must be prepared to enter the corporate sector. Prior to any interview, it is essential to do certain things to demonstrate to the interviewer that you have done your homework and understand your subject.  

Above all, preplanning offers you a competitive advantage. You may not be the most qualified for the job, but with proper preparation, you may portray yourself as the ideal candidate. Here are the actions you should do before a job interview:

 

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before attending any interview, you should familiarize yourself with the organization that is interviewing you. This helps you understand the company's mission, vision, goals, and work culture. Make sure you strategically include this into your replies and questions throughout the interview. 

Doing so demonstrates your intelligence, and it allows you to determine whether their work ethics are compatible with your interests or principles. 

Use sites like LinkedIn to learn about the firm and its personnel. Glassdoor can also be used to examine employee pay and other company-related information.

 

CHECK THE JOB DESCRIPTION

Every role requires a fundamental understanding of what it entails. It helps you avoid applying for the wrong role or one for which you are not qualified. 

Take the time to read and reread the job description. This will help you determine if you are the best applicant for the position. 

Search for certain keywords to determine the type of person they are looking for. You can use these terms during your interview

For example, a company's job description could be: ABC is seeking a product owner with the following requirements:

·       Strong background in product management

·       Demonstrated excellent communication, collaborative, and teamwork abilities

·       In-depth awareness of customer needs

With this job description, it is expected that when asked skill-related questions, you will indicate collaborative skills, good communication skills, and extensive knowledge of product management because that is what the organization is looking for. This makes you qualified for the position.

 

PREPARE FOR COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

It's understandable that you cannot predict all of the questions the interviewer will ask because they may be creative and ask new ones. However, some questions are virtually always asked during an interview. It's critical to prepare your mind for these and similar queries. 

Regardless of how inventive interviewers are, some questions are bound to arise. Several of them include:

. Tell me about yourself.

. How would you describe yourself?

. Why should we hire you?

. How do you handle stress?

. Where did you hear about this role?

. What motivates you?

. Why did you leave your last job?

. What makes you unique?

. What are your strengths?

. What are your career goals?

To ace your interview, use resources like Google Interview Warmup to rehearse questions, receive immediate responses, and pinpoint areas that need work.

 

KNOW HOW TO USE THE STAR METHOD

Most recruiters want to hear how you performed and completed duties in previous jobs, or how you employed a skill you have. This is when the STAR technique comes in. It is useful to respond to behavioral questions posed by the interviewer. 

It includes detailing the situation, the task, the action you did, and the outcome. It helps to demonstrate how you handled pressure, overcame obstacles, and efficiently managed responsibilities entrusted to you.

Advice: 

1.     Check the job description's list of necessary skills.

Determine the abilities you'll need and the difficulties the position may present. 

2.     Note down difficult problems you've faced in your work and the solutions you came up with.

3.     To boost your confidence and make sure you're communicating your ideas clearly, practice your answers out loud.

Example: 

Interview Question   

Describe a moment when you were under pressure and how you handled it.

In response-

Situation: A new product was previously launched by the company I worked for, but very few people interacted with the social media post and no one went to the website to view it. 

Task: Since the group was just getting started, I thought it would be challenging to ignite new engagement. My main objectives were expanding my audience and boosting engagement.

Action: I developed engaging content and tested several approaches by doing A/B tests on Facebook advertisements. 

Result: In just two weeks, engagement rose by 25% and sales reach climbed by 30%.

 

USEFUL TIPS DURING THE INTERVIEW

DO NOT TELL LIES

During an interview, questions may be hard and aimed to elicit a reaction. While you may be tempted to embellish your experiences, it is critical to react truthfully. Concentrate on your genuine strengths and successes. If you don't know the answer, you can simply respond, "I don't know, but I'm happy to follow up on this after the interview."

 Related Article: How to Deal with Anxiety during an Interview

PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO THE INTERVIEWER

Interviewers may pose questions that are difficult or confusing. Before digging into your response, be sure you understand the question. Begin with a brief response to determine whether further explanation is required. 

Examples

“As a freelance digital marketer for B2B and B2C enterprises, I have improved ROI and visibility for multiple organizations. I have substantial experience with project management platforms such as ClickUp and Asana. Would you like me to elaborate?"

 

DEMONSTRATE INTEREST IN THE JOB.

Do not be afraid to convey your enthusiasm for the position. Use real examples to demonstrate your knowledge and professionalism. Mention any webinars, conferences, or books that have helped you on your professional journey.

 Convey your enthusiasm for the industry as a whole. Discuss any relevant trends, challenges, or innovations that excite you. 

This can demonstrate that you’re not just interested in a job but are passionate about the field, which can resonate well with interviewers.

 

BE YOURSELF 

Every interview, recruiters want to see your personality. Allow your authentic self to shine through in your responses. Avoid impersonating someone else or faking an accent. 

Dress smartly and keep a pleasant mood throughout the interview; this will increase your confidence. Do not be afraid to talk about your career journey and highlight your unique qualities.  

Authenticity fosters trust, and discussing how you've overcome obstacles can illustrate your resilience and problem-solving abilities.

Tips

Approach the interview like a meeting with coworkers. Consider the interview to be like any other meeting: a conversation rather than an interrogation.

Remember to maintain a positive attitude throughout the hotel. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you respond to an interview question you did not prepare for?

Stay calm, don't panic, and be truthful. If you're unsure, you can admit it and offer to follow up later. Structure your response using the STAR approach, if applicable.

 

What are the Five C's of an Interview?

Confidence, Competence, Communication, Character, and Curiosity are all qualities that might help you perform better in interviews.

Is it necessary to send a follow-up mail after an interview?

Yes, it is necessary to send a follow-up communication, particularly if you pledged to do so. It indicates your commitment to the position. If you haven't heard back in a while, a courteous reminder can be helpful.

 

What is your best advice for success in an interview?

First, do your homework to ensure you are qualified for the position. Be confident throughout the interview and present specific examples from your experiences.

 

How can I stop being nervous during an interview?

Practice in advance to enhance your consistency and confidence! To alleviate nervousness on the day of the interview, drink plenty of water and repeat positive mantras.