Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you want to make a great impression and land that dream job. With 100s of applicants for a single job opening, the competition to stand out is fierce. But fear not! With the right preparation and a dash of confidence, you can improve your interview performance and outshine the competition. This blog helps you with actionable interview tips and examples to help you stand out with your winning interview skills. Whether you're a seasoned professional or you're about to start your first job search, we are sure you'll find this blog helpful. Let's dive in!

1. Research, Research, Research!

You wouldn't go on a blind date without checking out your potential partner's social media, right? Likewise, constantly research the company you're interviewing with. Start by visiting their website and browsing their social media pages this will help you to gain insights into their growth, culture, values, and recent achievements.
You can use LinkedIn or Twitter or Business channels for the company’s market updates and Instagram/Facebook to get an idea about the work culture. Visit platforms like Glassdoor/Ambition Box to see what their current employees say about them. Also, try to gain insight into the work and talent you'll be collaborating with, it's recommended to research professionals in similar domains/roles in the company. LinkedIn can be a good platform for this. Good research will give you an idea of what the potential employer is expecting in a candidate. Leverage and show off your company research during the interview, and you'll impress the interviewer with your genuine interest and commitment.

Actionable Tip: Imagine interviewing at a tech startup. Researching their latest product launch on a site like G2 or Capterra can be your secret weapon to impress them. "I heard about your amazing app update that used AI to improve the user experience. I'm curious to learn more about how your team made this happen."

2. Ask Smart Questions

When the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" Many candidates reply “No” - Wrong answer! Don't squander this opportunity. You should ask thoughtful, relevant questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. It shows that you're proactive and have done your homework. Importantly, an interview is a two-way process. As the recruiter judges you for the position, similarly you are also judging if the role or the company aligns with your career aspirations like work-life balance, growth, technology and innovations. So make sure you ask those thoughtful questions.
Here’s an interesting Statistic: According to a survey, more than 60% of interviewers consider a candidate’s questions as an important factor while shortlisting the candidate and also over 80% find it impressive when candidates ask insightful questions. Example: Instead of generic questions like, "What is your company work culture?" ask something more specific like, "I noticed your company values work-life balance. Can you share an example of how that is fostered within the team?"

Here’s a golden question – “How can I expect to grow within your company?” - It shows that you're not only interested in getting the job but also to develop and progress within the company. It also demonstrates your long-term mindset.

3. Master the Art of Storytelling

Humans love stories. So, why not incorporate storytelling into your interview answers? And we have the perfect method to help you in sharing your story - Instead of listing your accomplishments, share compelling narratives that highlight your skills and experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your stories, focusing on specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. You can adopt this strategy to answer common but important interview questions like “Tell me about yourself“, and “Why should we hire you?“, “Why do you want to work with our firm?“. Use the STAR method to stand out from the same old answers that recruiters hear from time to time. Engage the interviewer's attention and leave a lasting impression. This will also brush up your communication skills in the long run.

Example: When asked about a difficult team project, don't simply say, "I led a team to success." Tell a story instead: "Picture this, we were up against a tight deadline, budget constraints, and a team member falling sick. But with effective delegation, collaborative problem-solving, and some well-timed caffeine, we pulled it off and delivered an outstanding result.”

4. Practice Makes Perfect (And Less Nervous)

This is a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating - ‘Start practising before your interviews’. Practice common interview questions and answers with a friend or in front of a mirror. Research common interview questions and prepare your answers accordingly so you can deliver them confidently and concisely. Work on your posture, facial expressions, and voice modulation to exude confidence. The more you practice, the more comfortable you feel during the actual interview and less overwhelmed on the spot.

Advice: Record yourself answering mock interview questions and evaluate your performance. It might be cringe-worthy at first, but it's a fantastic way to identify areas for improvement and polish your delivery.

5. The Power of the Follow-Up

Interviews don't end when you walk out the door or close the video call. Following up with a thoughtful thank-you note or email can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and reinforce your interest in the position. It's a chance to reiterate your key qualifications, address any additional points discussed during the interview, and express gratitude for the opportunity. Being persistent is crucial to making yourself stand out from other applicants. And be prompt - Send your email within 24 hours of the interview.
Use the below image as a reference (follow-up email to the recruiter after your interview).

Conclusion

Improving your interview performance is within your reach! By researching the company, crafting engaging stories, dressing professionally, practising diligently, asking smart questions and following up, you'll be well on your way to becoming an interview superstar. Remember, the key is to be authentic, and confident, and let your unique personality shine through. Now, go ahead and win those interviews! Good luck!