How to stand out in your job interview
A job interview can be stressful, but even if you manage to be the perfect candidate, often you are one of many who check all the right boxes – so how do you stand out?
BusinessTech spoke to a recruitment expert who gave a few tips on how to stand out in an interview, and leave a lasting impression.
Underpinning everything is confidence – a tough ask in a situation where you feel vulnerable and on the spot.
To gain confidence, you will need to have done your homework and come prepared. Preparation is fundamental. From there, it’s sticking to what you know, and being able to show the interviewer that you can learn much more.
Our expert has provided these 10 tips on how to make sure you stand out in a job interview.
- Dress professionally and be on time!
- Greet with a firm handshake and make regular eye contact (but not a creepy amount – just be naturally attentive).
- Stay calm and collected – pay attention and listen clearly to the questions.
- Think before you answer a question and be precise in your answer. It’s better to sit in silence and think, than it is to continuously talk while saying nothing.
- Speak slowly with confidence and clarity.
- Be honest, be you! Your personality is what will linger after you’re gone.
- Instead of focusing on what you want from the company, rather focus on what you can bring to the company in terms of skills, knowledge, etc.
- Refrain from initiating negative conversations about your previous employer. If you bad-mouth your old boss, you will make an impression – but not a positive one.
- You’re allowed to say: “I am not sure, I’ll get back to you”
- Lastly…..breathe and relax! The interviewer isn’t out to get you – and stressing and over-thinking can easily leave you undone.
It goes without saying, but all of these tips go hand-in-hand with all the other preparation you would need to do for the interview.
More on job tips
7 things you should negotiate before saying yes to your next job
Top 10 most common interview blunders
South Africa’s best and worst paying jobs – and the gap in between
Loading ...
