Five Little-Known Ways to Stand Out in Your Interview - CareerAlley

Five Little-Known Ways to Stand Out in Your Interview - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Interviews can be very tough, and they are the most important part of the job application process. Its your first chance to meet with your prospective employers, and the impression that you make here can make or break your application. Weve talked about the interview process extensively before, in our article Ace That Phone Interview!, where we discussed how to make a good impression without the aid of face-to-face contact. There are tons of different ways to give a good interview, and many have been discussed at length. Whether youre doing your research on the company to practicing for interview questions ahead of time, all types of preparation are important. However, there are some methods of preparation that are equally important but not as well known. So, here are five unusual ways to stand out in your interview. Research Your Interviewers Image by rawpixel from Pixabay Many articles on acing your interview will tell you to research the company, but youll help your case even more by researching your interviewers as well. You can try calling ahead to the HR office to ask about who will be handling your interview, or look them up on LinkedIn or other similar websites. Researching your interviewers will give you a better idea of who they are in the company, where their interests lie, and how to build rapport with them. Itll also help calm your nerves and prepare you for the interview by removing the element of surprise from the equation, making you more confident and ready to take on their questions. There are tons of different ways to give a good interview, and many have been discussed at length. Whether you're doing your research on the company to practicing for interview questions ahead of time, all types of preparation are important. Tweet This Keep Up With Company News Image by rawpixel from Pixabay While research is an important part of preparing for an interview, many applicants will simply look up the company homepage and stop there. Although having a general grasp of the companys vision and mission is important, youre more likely to impress if you have a clear idea of how the company is performing and in what specific areas. You can look at a companys blog posts, or put out a Google Alert for related news. Forbes outlines this is one of the many ways that setting up Google Alerts can help your job search. Arrive Early, Not On Time Image by annca from Pixabay Being punctual is an important habit to cultivate in any aspect of your life in fact, Alore states that punctuality is essential for higher productivity and a better working relationship with your colleagues. But when it comes to job interviews, its time to go one better. Rather than simply being on time, try to be around 30-minutes to an hour early instead. Showing up early to an interview is important for several reasons. First, it shows that youre willing to go the extra mile for the job. Second, it allows you more time to familiarize yourself with the company building and atmosphere. Third, its an opportunity for you to center and calm yourself before your interview, ensuring that you arent frazzled or out of breath when its your turn to face the panel. Learn the Ins and Outs of Proper Communication Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay Communicating well is essential for any aspect of the job application process, but its impossible to overstate just how important it is. Proper communication allows you to get your ideas and thoughts across to your interviewers. It helps you prove your capabilities as a candidate, and shows them that you have a clear idea of the demands of the job as well as the purpose of the company. It also helps cement the impression that you are a confident, self-assured, and capable worker. Aviation Job Net lists the different ways that proper communication can help your case as a candidate, including how to communicate with prospective employers via phone, email, and how to make the right impression when starting a new position. Use Fashion to Your Advantage Image by Public Co from Pixabay Everyone knows that you have to dress to impress, but your choice of fashion during interviews is more than about simply dressing up. Your fashion says a lot about you, so this is a great opportunity to make an impression on your interview panel. This doesnt mean that you have to go all out when it comes to your outfit, but the right accessory may open up a world of opportunities during your interview. Clothing can be a great conversation starter, and bonding over the experience can help you build a better rapport with your interview panel. Anything from an understated yet unique collar pin to a scarf purchased from some exotic locale can be a memorable part of your overall look. Its also a chance to talk more about yourself and your personal history, which can humanize you in the eyes of your panel. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to nail the interview and get hired. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search