In a brutal job market, even if you do everything correctly, you still won’t always get the job. Plenty of factors can lead to your being looked over. Instead of lamenting the state of the job market, try to focus on what you can control. If candidates have equal experience and skill levels, the job usually goes to the more memorable candidate. By making efforts to stand out, you can make yourself a noteworthy and must-hire candidate.
The ATS may track resumes, but it’s still human beings doing the hiring. If you can make the effort to form a connection, handle anything the interviewers throw at you, and show a little personal flair, you can stand out in the right ways and leave a memorable impression leading to a job offer.
Be specific
Every candidate will face the same stock questions in an interview. Each one offers an opportunity to showcase your skills and why you’d be a good culture fit. But with so many potential fits, it’s easy for a job seeker to get lost in the shuffle during these generic questions. To truly stand out, be as specific and dynamic as possible.
Adding tangible numbers and results always enhances an answer, showing that you’re not just all talk. Forbes’ Mark Murphy says that adding figures and results adds credibility to a story and shows your individual impact. You’re being hired to solve a problem, and data shows that you’re capable of solving that problem. And to practice what we preach, consider this Leadership IQ study on the language used by highly-rated candidates.
Tell a story
You’ll notice we used the word “story” in regards to your response to an interviewer. That’s because raw data, while helpful, isn’t the only key to leaving an impression. A quick answer might get all the necessary information across, but it won’t leave an impression. To be memorable, you need to tell a story.
Author Kelsey Schurer says that personal narratives stand out because they highlight your skills and experiences through a personal lens while still covering the basis of the question. The interviewer can connect with you and see your accomplishments through your eyes. Adapting a method like CAR or STAR can provide a quick, effective framework to tell an engaging story without getting bogged in the details.
“For instance, instead of listing skills or achievements, narrate the journey that led to them. This doesn’t mean rambling or providing unnecessary details, but it does mean structuring your answers in a way that captures attention.” –Mark Murphy, Forbes
Ask questions throughout
Every interview will give you a chance to ask the interviewer your own questions about the role and the organization. This is one of the best areas to make an impact by asking thoughtful questions that display preparedness and enthusiasm for the role. This is a great foundation, but you can be even more memorable by sprinkling in thoughtful questions throughout the interview.
Career coach Sam DeMase says that by asking relevant questions when they arise it shows that you’re agile and adaptable. Many of your questions will likely be prepared beforehand, so asking new questions as they arise instead shows that you’re a good listener and can think in the moment. It also shows an enthusiasm for the conversation and a desire to know more. These are admirable traits in a job seeker.
Make a connection
Your primary goal is to highlight your skills, experience, accomplishments, excitement, and other factors that show why you’d be the best possible candidate that the company can hire. But you won’t be the only one, and there will be equally qualified rivals for the role. So it’s just as important to make a connection. A company wants a good culture fit, and they want to hire someone they actually would enjoy working with. Don’t forget the human element of job seeking and try to forge connections wherever possible.
Small talk is your friend—not everyone likes it, but it provides an easy way to get extra information that you can use to find common ground. Practice active listening to provide genuine responses. And Korn Ferry’s team adds that even bringing a burst of energy to your interview can stand out. With so many candidates, simply showing the right enthusiasm and attitude can form a good connection, especially if you’re interviewing remotely.
“Speak with the interviewer briefly about their hobbies and interests outside of the workplace. This discussion shows that you’re trying to build an authentic connection with them.” –Indeed
Add a visual element
All of the above tips will help you make the right interpersonal impression to stand out as a memorable candidate. To go even further, there are plenty of subtle ways to stand out. Showing personality is always a plus, and you can do it by incorporating it visually.
Indeed says that by wearing a bold color (in the context of a still professional outfit appropriate for the interview) you’ll stand out from the other interviewees. Chron’s Gail Sessom says that when asked to solve a problem, you can bring out a drawing tool and illustrate your thought process. Showing your work is a unique way to elevate you.
Wrap up
It doesn’t take a whole lot of extra effort to make your stand out amongst the sea of other candidates. Embrace the philosophy of trying to make a connection with your interviewer(s) and remember the all-important human element of the job search. If you can do this while highlighting your expertise in the right way, you’ll appear as not only a good candidate for the role but one that sticks out as the right fit.
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