How to stand out from the crowd during a job interview

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Job interviews can be a stressful experience, but they don’t have to be. If you put the research in, are a good match for the advertised role and make a good impression, there is no reason you can’t rock that interview, but what if ten other candidates do the same?

Here are 5 ways to stand out from the crowd during a job interview:

1. Go in with a growth mindset
2. Illustrate how you would add value to the organisation
3. Bring suggestions to the table 
4. Showcase creativity 
5. Always send a note after the interview

Go in with a growth mindset

Think about the bigger picture when it comes to what you can contribute to the organisation you are interviewing for. Having a growth minset is helped by doing the research. Has there been any recent news coverage about the organisation or that relates to the organisation?

If you can showcase that you have done the research and that you think big, this will help the potential employer to see you as an asset, not just as an employee but also potentially a leader.

Illustrate how you would add value to the organisation

If you were a product, how would you sell yourself? If you can pick out at least three unique selling points and connect those dots to how you would add value to the organisation, you are already halfway there in persauding your potential employers that you are the right fit for the role.

Bring suggestions to the table 

If you are asked behavioural interview questions, you should answer with some strong examples of previous work you have completed, but also provide examples of how you would apply them to the organisation you are interviewing for.

Offer solutions, show that you have a lot to give and can hit the ground running from the get go.

Showcase creativity 

Creativity will continue to be one of the most sought after job skills in a post COVID world. Highlighting how you have worked creatively in the past and how you work presently will make you an attractive candidate.

Think about times when you have done things differently, have thought and worked outside the box, and times that you have surpassed expectations with your ingenuinity.

Always send a note after the interview

If you are interested in the role, make sure to send a follow up email within 24 hours of the interview so you stay fresh in the hiring or direct manager’s mind. Remember that they will have interviewed a decent number of people so you want your name to stay front of mind while they are making their decision.

Keep reading: Ten simple yet effective ways to make your CV stand out 

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