How do you set yourself apart from other candidates?

Ding!

The email you’ve been waiting for makes it to your inbox, an invitation for an interview. You read it twice to make sure it’s real then you fiddle with your calendar to schedule. Part of you is thrilled, certain you are going to land the job, while the other may be hesitant about making sure you can make a good impression.

Know The Company

I can’t stress this enough: Research the company you are interviewing with BEFORE your interview. How will it look if you express interest and don’t have a clue about their mission, values, or product line? Most companies love to hear about why you want to work with them. In order to make a convincing argument, you need to know who they are and what they do.

Housekeeping Rules

There are so many small details that make a huge difference, many of which you wouldn’t even think of.

For example, make sure you do not wear perfume/cologne or strongly scented cream/aftershave. While this is customary for most people when venturing out as good hygiene practice, the hiring manager with allergies sitting across from you at the interview will not remember how professional you looked due to his/her own discomfort.

Keep your bling to a minimum. Flashy or large style jewelry will only distract your interview panel and interrupt their focus on what is really important: You.

Most of us will suffer through a tattoo to be able to show it. Not here. This too can be a distraction. Cover them if you can, at least during the interview.

Keep nail polish neutral and simple even if neon lime green is your favorite shade. Save it for the beach. Wear light tones or neutral colors. A splash of color is fine as long as it’s not distracting The same goes for your hair coloring.

Remember, you want to present yourself in low-key fashion and let your words and speaking skills stand out and keep your interviewers’ interest, not the flashy jewelry or two-tone color of your hair. *

*This will depend on the position you are interviewing for. If it’s anything in the fashion world, flashy may be good 😉

Time To Back Up The Resume

You’ve handed over your resume and listed all the reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Now you need to prove it. The interview panel WILL ask questions testing your resume. If the interview is in person, make sure you bring a copy for every panel member and especially for yourself. I would also read it over before every interview. Redundant? Yes, but you will be amazed at what you will not remember when being asked questions and having to answer on the fly.

Here Come The Questions

Don’t expect to only be asked about your skills. Today’s interview questions are designed to not only make sure you have the skills but more importantly, do you fit into the company culture and workplace/department environment. Many of these questions will be hypothetical and expect you to give examples. Recruiters today will use competency and/or behavioral type questions and believe me yes/no answers will not be enough. Always follow up with why and how.

Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Remember, if you “fake” your interview, you may come across with a personality type that does or does not fit with the team in the department you will be working with. You want to make sure you are the right fit for the company but more importantly, for yourself.

In closing, interviews are very much like auditions. The company is looking for talent along with company/culture fit. Leave the interview panel with a good impression of who you are and why you want to be a part of their team!

Mirla