Every time you go on a job interview you should assume that you’re one of many qualified candidates vying for the position. That means you have to do what it takes to stand out.
There are lots of things that differentiate good candidates from future employees, and it’s not just about experience and preparedness. One other thing that interviewers look for that not every interviewee knows how to demonstrate is personality.
Ready to ace your next interview and leave a better impression than the other qualified applicants?
Here are the top ways to show off your personality during a job interview.
Dress to Impress
One of the most important steps in preparing for a job interview is to choose the right outfit. Every industry and every company has their own dress code and culture, so be sure to do your research beforehand so that you show up looking the part.
Add a fun accessory to your look and you can help set yourself apart even more.
For example, if you’re interviewing for a job in the finance industry, a tailored navy blue or grey suit is the industry standard. However, you can add something interesting, such as a colorful tie or a distinctive pair of earrings, that will help show off your personal sense of style while still adhering to the company’s dress policy.
Display Confidence at All Times
One part of your personality that you always want to demonstrate in a job interview is your confidence. You can exhibit confidence not only through your words but through your body language.
Walk into an interview with your head held high and your shoulders back. Make eye contact with every individual you meet throughout the course of the interview, including the receptionist at the front desk. Speak clearly and articulately.
Greet your interviewer with a warm and friendly smile and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude throughout the interview. There’s no need to put on a stand-up comedy show, but it’s great if you can show that you have a sense of humor.
The more comfortable and confident you appear to be, the more likely you are to shoot to the top of the candidate list.
Don’t Give Cookie Cutter Answers
It’s a good idea to have some answers prepared, but you don’t want those answers to sound too rehearsed or too expected. Giving cookie cutter answers won’t provide any insight into who you are or what you’re all about.
Instead, interject anecdotes or real life experiences to help answer questions. Demonstrate excitement no matter what topic you’re talking about. Use creative language to show that you’re well-spoken, experienced, and confident in your skills.
Take Cues from the Interviewer
An excellent way to show off your personality is to take verbal and physical cues from your interviewer. For example, mirroring body language shows that you’re paying attention and tends to put people at ease. The more comfortable your interviewer feels with you, the better.
If the conversation takes a casual turn and the interviewer starts talking about a subject off the topic of the job at hand, go with it.
Why?
Because this is a great opportunity to interject with a brief story about your own life or mention some experiences you’ve had that will help you stand out from the crowd.
No matter how casual the interview becomes, keep it professional at all times. The last thing you want to do is divulge any personal information that might exclude you from getting the job.
Prepare a List of Specific Questions
Regardless of how much or how little experience you have, you will not get the job unless you ask a few questions of your own. Interviewers expect job applicants to ask at least two or three questions at the end of the interview. If you don’t, it shows a lack of preparedness.
Always tailor your questions to show your personality as well as your genuine interest in the role and in the company. For example, if you’re interviewing for a large corporation, you might want to ask if there are opportunities for advancement and growth within the organization. If you’re interviewing for a temporary position or a contract job, you might want to ask how long a typical employment contract lasts.
Checkout this article to learn more about contract review (and how it can help you negotiate a bigger salary or better benefits).
In Conclusion
A great resume and a well-constructed cover letter can help you land an interview, but you’ll have to show some personality during the interview if you want to get the job.
From what you wear to how you carry yourself to the questions you ask, there are all sorts of subtle ways to let your personality shine and give the interviewer a better sense of who you are.
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