Top Tips to Stand Out During Your Job Interview

Whether this is your very first job interview or you’ve interviewed dozens of times throughout your career, performing well on an interview can set you apart from your competition. Below are seven strategies to effectively navigate the interview process.

1. Do Your Homework

Doing research about the company, industry, and the role you are applying for shows you are prepared and interested. Your research should give you insight into the company’s mission and values, recent news, competitors, industry trends, and the job’s key skills, allowing you to properly tailor your interview responses and follow-up questions. Check out the company’s social media pages, blog posts, and website for valuable information. Key information about the job is in the job description so read through it and make notes on how your skills match the ones they’re looking for. The hiring manager will be impressed that you took the time to understand the company and the role.

2. Showcase Your Unique Personal Brand

In todays, competitive job market, your personal brand is more important than ever. Your personal brand is the unique blend of your skills, experiences, values, and personality traits—it’s what makes you you and sets you apart from other candidates. Communicate your personal brand in an interview by defining who you are and what drives you. Most importantly, be authentic. Showing your genuine enthusiasm builds trust and establishes a connection with your interviewer.

 Claire, Vice President of Marketing and Creative Strategy at Spectrum, offers her personal brand as an example. “I’d describe my personal brand as, ‘trusted guide driven to inspire and elevate,’” she says. “I want to help others grow, develop, and recognize their strengths while fueling their passion and creativity.”

3. Create a Positive First Impression

First impressions matter because they are created quickly and last well beyond that moment. Whether your interview is in-person or via video, your first impression will be formed not only by what you say but by the tone of your voice and the non-verbal cues you use, like your facial expressions and body language. So, remember to smile and make eye contact to show you’re at ease and engaged in the conversation. Another way to make a positive first impression is by being prepared and on time. Plan to arrive early to your interview and bring your resume, pen, and notebook. If you need to travel, having extra time not only gives you a buffer if there’s traffic, but it also saves you from feeling the stress of running late. For a virtual interview, that extra couple of minutes can be critical to fixing a technical issue or making sure your background is decluttered and professional. And finally, don’t forget to dress appropriately. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview. Even if you’ll be wearing business casual attire at the job you’re interviewing for, you may want to dress more formally for the interview. Dress code varies from company to company, so if you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t hesitate to ask your recruiter for advice.

A pro tip is if interviewing in-person, greet the interviewer by introducing yourself and shaking their hand.

4. Master the STAR Method

The STAR method is your secret to crafting compelling answers to interview questions. This gives you the chance to showcase your skills with concrete examples, making a strong case you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Situation: Set the scene. Describe the situation you were in, giving enough detail for the interviewer to follow and understand. This situation can be from a previous job, volunteer experience, or any relevant event. Think who, what, when, where and why.

Task: Describe the task you were given. Detail what your responsibility was in this situation.

Action: Describe the actions you took to solve the problem. Explain why you approached the problem the way you did.

Result: Highlight the results of your actions. This is where you can quantify your success. If you have data, use it to back up your results (e.g., I exceeded my sales goal by 20%). Don’t be shy about taking credit for your achievements. What happened? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Make sure your answer contains positive results.

5. Interview Them, Too

Interviews aren’t just about answering questions; they are a two-way street. Take the opportunity to ask questions to dive deep into the role, including the day-to-day work, training opportunities, and the next steps in hiring timeline.  This shows you have thought about growing with the company.

6. Practice Makes Perfect

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can turn that stress into confidence. One of the best ways to get ready is by practicing with someone you trust. Choose a friend, family member or former coworker and hold a mock interview to get constructive feedback.

 “Think of the people in your life that truly support your growth, are excited to see you succeed, and who consistently show up as an advocate for you,” says Lori, HR Manager at Spectrum. “These are the relationships you should lean into as you navigate the interview process. Receiving feedback in a low-pressure environment will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, boost your confidence, and fine tune your interview responses.”

 7. Follow Up

Vanessa, a Senior Recruiter at Spectrum, reveals that one of the top qualities she looks for in applicants is a self-starter attitude. “I am always impressed by proactive people who see an opportunity and take initiative,” she says. A simple yet effective way to demonstrate this is by sending a thank you note following your interview. This shows your interviewer you appreciate their time and shows you’ve reflected on the conversation. Use this opportunity to refer back to the conversation and expand on those topics.

Stand out from the crowd by engaging in the interview process and showing that you're already invested in your future with the company. Good luck!

For additional information regarding Spectrum’s application and interview process, please visit https://jobs.spectrum.com/application-process