Table of Contents
- Be Punctual
- Dress Professionally
- Remain Calm
- Smile
- Maintain Eye Contact
- Speak Slowly and Clearly
- Listen Carefully
- Ask Intelligent Questions
An interview establishes more than just whether or not you can maintain a professional appearance but also what makes you, you. It’s a chance to show your personality and make a connection with each person who interviews you.
These are 8 tips that we think are important to keep in mind to help you stand out when you go for an interview.
8 ways to stand out during an interview
1. Be punctual
When you are late, no matter the reason, the interviewer feels that their time is being wasted. That is not the kind of start you want when trying to land your dream job. You want the interviewer to leave thinking that you will be a good investment and not a possible resource drain!
2. Dress professionally
While this does not mean that you need to wear a tie or a full suit, it is important to dress like you are already on the job. When dressing for interviews, your baseline should always be business casual. If you look at their social media or website photography and everyone is in suits and ties, you will want to match that.
3. Remain calm
Remember to breathe. You are there to offer a service to a company as much as they are there to employ your services. After all – there are two types of employers out there…those that will hire you and those that won’t. You are just trying to find the ones that will hire you and go from there.
4. Smile
Don’t overdo it, you don’t want to look like the Cheshire cat, but remember that hospitality is all about creating great guest experiences. An interview is a perfect opportunity for you to show off your warmth and that you are approachable.
5. Maintain eye contact
Interviewers are looking for a confident person who will add value to the role. Eye contact shows confidence and engagement. Hey, even if you are not 100% sure of yourself it is better to fake it till you make it!
6. Speak slowly and clearly
Mumbling and speaking too quickly may put the interviewer off as they may worry that you won’t be able to effectively communicate with other employees or possible customers/clients. Speak slowly and do your best to pronounce your words clearly. It’s okay to take a minute to think about your answers before speaking.
7. Listen carefully
Interviews have a set structure with specific questions that need to be asked to assess each candidate. Some interviews are weird and creative while others are straightforward. Listen to the questions being asked and do your best to answer them. If you are unsure, you can always repeat what you think they are asking of you before answering.
8. Ask intelligent questions
You are interviewing the interviewer as much as they are interviewing you. Make a list of questions ahead of your interview based on what matters to you.
If work/life balance is important to you, ask the interviewer how they promote work/life balance among their team, or what they like to do outside of work. If they say something like, I enjoy spending time with my family or I like to travel, it likely means they are able to disconnect from work.
If getting proper training is important to you, ask them about any professional development initiatives they have, or if they offer training for employees becoming managers or leaders in the company.
Here is a bonus- Do not forget to thank the interviewer! Of course, thank them before leaving the interview itself, but make sure to also send a follow-up thank you email within 24 hours after your interview.