The Inside Scoop From an Ex-Recruiter: 3 Tips to Stand Out in Your Next Interview.
Interviews can be both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.
You're on the brink of landing your dream job, but first, you need to impress a panel of strangers and navigate a series of unpredictable questions.
As a former recruiter I've prepped hundreds of candidates for success and participated in countless interview panels. I know exactly what it takes to stand out and shine.
That's why I'm sharing my top 3 insider tips to help you ace your next interview and secure that coveted position.
Let’s make sure you leave a lasting impression and land that dream job!
1. Storytelling is Your Superpower.
Nothing grabs attention like a good story. In fact, storytelling has long been recognised as a powerful tool to influence and persuade people. The research behind this strategy spans several disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, marketing, and communication studies.
How to do it:
When you’re asked about your experiences, don’t just list your responsibilities—turn them into engaging narratives that showcase your passion and personality.
Using the STAR method is an easy and effective way of ensuring your responses follow a structured framework and are conveyed in the form of a story.
Example: Instead of saying, “I worked on a marketing campaign,” you could say, “I was part of a small team that created a social media campaign for our college's annual festival. We faced tight deadlines and limited resources, but I spearheaded a series of creative Instagram posts that increased attendance by 20% compared to the previous year.”
Why it works:
Emotions: Stories engage our emotions, and emotional responses are closely linked to memory and decision-making.
Cognitive Processing: Stories also help simplify complex information making it easier to process for the brain. In fact a study by cognitive scientist Jerome Bruner suggests that facts are 20 times more likely to be remembered if they are part of a story .
Persuasion and Influence: Storytelling can effectively change attitudes and behaviours. Studies in marketing and advertising have shown that narrative-based ads are more persuasive and can lead to stronger consumer responses than non-narrative ads .
Neuroscientific Evidence: Uri Hasson, a neuroscientist, has demonstrated that during effective storytelling, the brain activity of the listener can mirror that of the storyteller, creating a sense of connection and shared experience.
Pro Tip: Use my free STAR guide and think of a few key stories/examples that highlight your skills and experiences before the interview. Practice telling them in a concise, engaging way.
2. Research Like a Detective.
One of the best ways to stand out is to show you’ve done your homework. Go beyond the company’s “About Us” page. Dig deep into their recent projects, company culture, and even their social media activity. LinkedIn is an amazing and underused resource.
This knowledge will help you tailor your answers to align with the company’s goals and values and it shows you care.
How to do it:
LinkedIn: Check out the profiles of people who work there. Look for common skills and experiences. You can also check out any posts from the company or their staff - what are people talking about?
News Articles: Google the company to find recent news or press releases.
Social Media: Follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Note their tone, values, and what they’re currently excited about.
Network: If you know anyone who works for the company, pick their brain. There is nothing more valuable than lived experiences from former or current employees.
Why it works:
Shows Initiative: Demonstrates that you’re genuinely interested in the company.
Tailored Answers: Helps you align your answers with what the company is looking for.
Conversation Starter: Gives you material for meaningful questions at the end of the interview.
Pro Tip: Use your research to craft specific questions that show your deep interest in the company. For example, “I saw your team recently launched a new sustainability initiative. Can you tell me more about that and how this role would contribute to its success?”
3. Just Be You, Boo.
It might sound cliché, but being authentic is crucial. Interviewers can tell when you’re putting on an act. Instead, let your true personality shine through. Be honest about your strengths and areas for growth. Employers value candidates who are self-aware and genuine.
How to do it:
Be Honest: If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit it. Follow up with how you would find the solution or what steps you would take to learn.
Show Enthusiasm: Let your excitement for the role and the company come through naturally.
Be Yourself: Don’t try to fit into a mould of what you think they want. Show them the unique qualities and perspectives you bring.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Assessing a culture fit is just as important as assessing someones technical abilities.
Why it works:
Builds Trust: Authenticity fosters trust and rapport with your interviewers.
Unique Value: Your individuality is your strength. Highlighting it sets you apart from other candidates.
Comfort Level: You’ll be more relaxed and confident when you’re not pretending to be someone else.
Pro Tip: Think about what makes you unique and ask your friends and family. It could be your background, a particular skill, or a passion project that reflects your creativity and dedication. Find a way to weave this unique selling point (USP) into your interview to leave a memorable impression.
You Got This.
Interviews don’t have to be scary. By turning your experiences into engaging stories, doing your research, and being your authentic self, you’ll not only stand out—you’ll shine. Remember, the interview is just as much about you finding the right fit as it is about the company finding the right candidate.
So go in with confidence, and show them why you’re the perfect match.
Until next time,
🌟
G