“How do I impress a recruiter and/or hiring manager in a job interview to show them I am the right person for the role?”
That is one of the more important questions every candidate asks themselves during their job search. We’re sharing four easy – but often overlooked – ways to stand out!
- Have answers that are clear and concise, but still have descriptive detail. Candidates need to be able to tell their story in a way that makes sense and is relatable to the position they are pursuing. Attention to detail is important in every industry! Managers want to hear specific examples about projects you contributed to, programs or software you know, and what you bring to the table.
- Demonstrate good energy and a willingness to learn.Genuine excitement, adaptability and a love of learning are key traits to show during an interview to let employers know there is a reason you are pursuing this role. As one recruiter told us: “Genuine interest in the role is critical. Not just that you’re interested, but why. I want you to be interviewing me, asking more about the role to demonstrate why you’re interested and needed.”
- Ask for questions to be repeated if you do not understand.One recruiter stated: “I can’t tell you how many times I ask a question and the candidate doesn’t understand, but doesn’t ask for clarity, and then I don’t get the answer I’m looking for.” You will likely be asked some very specific questions during your interview. Employers want to hear your best possible answer – and that means it is ok to ask follow-up questions to gain clarity on what they’re really asking, so you can answer the question to the best of your ability.
- Send a thank you note! This is not “old school” – in fact, if you have a great interview, a good thank you note (yes, even through email) can really help seal the deal! The note should thank the interviewers for their time, express your excitement about the role, and mention your experience that fits their needs for the position based on what you learned in the interview. Multiple employers have told us they’ve had candidates edge ahead of other candidates and eventually be hired because of their outreach after the interview.
Interviews in any field are not easy. But if you prepare and keep these easy tactics in mind, it will give you a great chance to set yourself up for professional success.
