Although researching the company, noting your skills, and organizing your on-the-job experiences prior to the interview date are all important, there are a several other ways to stand out during your interview. 

Be Authentic! Leave the generic responses behind. Be thoughtful and take the time to consider your responses so each reflects your perspective. Remember, you are unique—you are the only you in the world and that means you have something unique to offer. 

Be Excited! Express your enthusiasm for the position—and for the opportunity you have to interview for it. What excites you most? Is it the work tasks outlined in the job posting? Is it what you already know about the company? Share that energy with the hiring manager. 

Be Personable! Humor is universal. When it makes sense to infuse an answer with a little humor, do so. A good chuckle can be memorable for you and the hiring manager. 

Be Realistic! Professional goals and plans are important—but so is flexibility. Conveying your willingness to adapt to change, go with the flow as needed, or being open to a sharp right turn in the middle of a project are required in the job market today. Be sure you can demonstrate that you can be flexible. 

Be Prepared! Provide specific examples. If someone asks you about your organizational skills, you should never respond with, “I have great organizational skills!” Instead, offer an example or share a story about how your great skills led to a positive outcome. 

Be In Control! The interview should flow smoothly from beginning to end. When responding to questions, you are either in control, or you let the answer wander and lose your train of thought. Stay focused and be in the moment. 

Be Humble! It is important that you are humble, but also open about your experiences. If you have examples showing how the work you did in the past saved money or time, be sure to articulate those during the interview. Be confident in your abilities and let the hiring manager know just how capable you are. 

Be Inquisitive! An interview should involve a two-way communication process. You are interviewing the interviewer to gain clarity on the role, the company, and the overall fit. You should take the time to ask questions that engage the interviewer. If you are in a panel interview, try to engage everyone, not just the hiring manager. 

Be Thankful! Express your thanks at the interview close—and know that what follows is just as important as what transpires during your interview. A handwritten note, short email, or a LinkedIn invite and message are just a few ways you can express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the position. In any follow up correspondence, be timely so that your note of thanks is top of mind post interview. 

Get the skinny on preparing for or writing interview questions, virtual versus in-person interview tips, and more on our Referral Staffing Solutions blog.