11 Ways To Shine In The Job Interview

1. 11 Ways To Shine In
The Job Interview

2. 1. Do Your Research
Before an interview, spend a few hours
researching the company and role. At a
minimum, learn the company mission, read
up on recent news on the company or its
market, Google is a powerful asset. Use it.

3. 2. Seek Warm Intros
Warm intros and references are the holy grail
of a competitive hiring process. Scan your
network for any connections to a company. If
you find any that are close enough, use them.
The smallest edge can help!

4. 3. Show Your Passion
Showing a genuine passion and excitement for
the company and role is the easiest way to
stand out from the crowd. People want to hire
candidates that want to be there. So smile,
express your excitement (calmly!), and let that
passion shine through.

5. 4. Carry a Notebook
Always bring a notebook to the job interview.
If something comes up that is interesting or
requires a follow up, make a point of writing
it down. It shows attentiveness. Interviewers
notice these little things.

6. 5. Personalized
Thank-You Note
After an interview, always send a thank you
note to the interviewer. Include a specific
detail (that you wrote down in your
notebook!) from the interview so that it
doesn’t appear generic.

7. 6. Ask Unique
Questions
Most interviews end with a classic: “Do you
have any questions for me?” This isn’t just a
throwaway question. It is an opportunity to
show off your differentiated initiative and
hustle. Ask a unique question grounded in
your diligence on the company.

8. 7. Focus on the Long-Term
An interviewer may ask about your plans for
the next few years. Beware! This question can
be a trap to catch short-term thinkers. Simply
reframe it and focus on the long-term.
Companies want long-term thinkers, so tailor
your response to that want.

9. 8. Highlight Learning
as a Goal
When asked about your goals for the coming
years, always emphasize learning as a
primary goal.

10. 9. Nail the Cover Letter
A punchy, well-written cover letter is one of
the best ways to stand out. Keep it short and
include a *specific* answer to the “why us?”
question. Try to infuse an element of
personality.

11. 10. Targeted Outreach
Before applying to a company, try to interact
with 1-2 of its employees. Reach out to a few
people in similar roles to what you’re applying
for and ask if they would be willing to share
their insights.You’ll learn a lot and maybe even
improve your chances.

12. 11. Prove Readiness
Hiring managers want to know you can do the
job (or quickly learn to do it). If possible, cite
examples of how you’ve done the requirements
of this job in the past. If not possible, cite
examples of times you have quickly learned
something new and had success.