3 Ways to Present Yourself as The Best Candidate During The Interview

I have worked with recruiters for a while now and one thing that I have picked in my interactions with them is that some candidates can easily miss out on a position solely because of how they presented themselves in an interview.

Last week I sat in on one of the interviews just to be more conversant with what makes one pass the bar. What do recruiters look for in a candidate? What are the key things that cannot be overlooked when looking to fill a position?

Landing your dream job can be challenging since you are competing against numerous qualified candidates. However, you can give yourself a competitive edge in the hiring process by presenting yourself as the best fit for the role during the interview.

I noticed some key things the recruiters were keen on and here are the ways you can show yourself as the best candidate.

1. Research Thoroughly

Recruiters are very particular about the diligence of the person they are hiring. Are you thorough and invested in the job you are seeking? The way you relay information will set you apart whether you are particular about the role or not.

Take time to learn as much as possible about the company, its products/services, leadership team, culture, and industry trends. Being knowledgeable about the organization shows initiative and passion for the role.

Review their website, annual reports, news articles, and social profiles. Come prepared with insightful questions that demonstrate your understanding.

2. Prep Answers to Common Questions

Some questions are commonly asked in interviews. Prepare for this by researching the best way to answer them. Questions like describing your greatest strengths and weaknesses. Practice answering thoroughly yet concisely so you don’t ramble.

For example, when asked about weaknesses, provide an example like “Earlier in my career, I tended to take on too many tasks at once and struggled with prioritization at times. Now I set clearer deadlines and delegate work efficiently.”

This shows the recruiter that you are well aware of your weaknesses and are working actively to perfect yourself. However, this does not mean that the recruiter will refrain from asking you other questions, be mentally prepared for other questions from them.

3. Share Impactful Stories

Strive not to be too plain in the way you showcase your skills and abilities. Illustrate your qualifications and personality through well-chosen anecdotes from your career or education.

For example, if the role requires leadership, describe a time when you motivated your team to complete an important project ahead of schedule and the success you got.

Stories help break the ice and memorably demonstrate your qualities. After the interview, the recruiter may just remember you from the examples you gave.

Presenting yourself confidently yet authentically as the ideal candidate is crucial for landing your dream job. If you are a candidate and often tend to panic or get anxious before an interview, seek a Professional Interview Coaching Session so that you can make a strong case for yourself during the interview process.