Standing out in a job interview means ensuring the interviewer remembers the key aspects of your strengths, skills, and personality. While research shows that most interviewers forget up to 90% of what candidates say, there are ways to ensure you make the 10% that sticks count. Below is an in-depth explanation of each strategy, complete with expanded “What It Means” sections, actionable insights, and bullet points for quick takeaways.

1. Research Like a Pro

What It Means: Researching a company thoroughly goes beyond reading the “About Us” section of their website. It involves understanding their culture, recent accomplishments, challenges, and long-term goals. Most candidates stop at surface-level research, but when you dig deeper, you show the interviewer that you’re genuinely invested in the company and the role. By demonstrating an understanding of the company’s needs, values, and objectives, you position yourself as someone ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.

Taking the time to research also equips you with knowledge to tailor your responses. For instance, if a company is expanding into new markets, you can highlight relevant experiences that align with that goal. This not only shows initiative but also sets the tone for a more strategic and collaborative conversation during the interview.

• Read recent press releases, news articles, and LinkedIn activity about the company.
• Identify challenges the company faces and be prepared to discuss solutions you can offer.
• Prepare specific examples of how your skills align with their goals.

2. Craft Your Narrative

What It Means: Your resume lists your skills and experiences, but your narrative ties them together into a compelling story. Instead of presenting your career as a series of unrelated jobs, craft a journey that shows how each step has prepared you for this role. This approach creates a coherent, memorable picture of your professional development and demonstrates your intentionality and focus.

Think of your narrative as a way to build rapport with the interviewer. By framing your experiences in a way that highlights your adaptability, growth, and alignment with the company’s mission, you make it easier for them to see how you fit into the role and the team. Your story should not only explain where you’ve been but also paint a clear picture of where you’re heading—and why this job is the perfect next step.

• Frame your career as a story, highlighting key milestones and growth moments.
• Connect your journey to the role and how your experiences align with the company’s mission.
• Practice your narrative to ensure it flows naturally and remains engaging.

3. Own the First 5 Minutes

What It Means: First impressions are crucial in interviews, as they set the tone for the entire conversation. Most interviewers form their initial opinion within the first few minutes, based on your demeanor, confidence, and energy. Walking into (or logging on to) the interview with a positive attitude, a firm handshake, and steady eye contact immediately communicates that you’re prepared and enthusiastic.

Those first moments are your opportunity to establish credibility and connection. Whether it’s a friendly “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today” or a confident summary of why you’re excited about the role, showing poise and professionalism early on can shape the interviewer’s perception of you before any formal questions begin.

• Greet the interviewer warmly with a firm handshake or a confident virtual introduction.
• Show enthusiasm by expressing excitement about the opportunity right away.
• Project confidence with steady eye contact, good posture, and a positive tone of voice.

4. Flip the Script

What It Means: Interviews are typically structured as a question-and-answer session, but the best candidates treat them as conversations. By asking thoughtful, proactive questions, you shift from being just another applicant to someone who thinks and acts like a future team member. This not only demonstrates confidence but also shows that you’re genuinely curious about the role and the company’s challenges.

Asking insightful questions also allows you to subtly showcase your expertise. For example, asking about specific pain points or future initiatives positions you as someone already thinking about solutions. This approach changes the dynamic of the interview, making it feel more collaborative and memorable.

• Prepare questions about the company’s goals, challenges, and team dynamics.
• Use questions to highlight your knowledge and expertise.
• Engage actively by showing interest in their responses and asking follow-ups.

5. Speak in Wins, Not Duties

What It Means: Many candidates fall into the trap of listing their job responsibilities, but employers are more interested in what you’ve accomplished. Responsibilities are static, but achievements demonstrate your ability to deliver results and add value. Shifting your focus to wins shows the interviewer that you’re results-oriented and capable of making a tangible impact.

When you frame your experience around achievements, you also give the interviewer a clearer sense of how you’ve succeeded in the past and how you can replicate those successes in their organization. For example, instead of saying, “I managed a sales team,” you might say, “I led a sales team that exceeded quarterly targets by 25% through strategic goal-setting and coaching.”

• Highlight accomplishments with measurable results (e.g., “increased revenue by 20%”).
• Focus on outcomes that demonstrate the value you bring to the organization.
• Use data to quantify your success and make your achievements more tangible.

6. Master the STAR Method

What It Means: Behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time when…” can trip up even the most qualified candidates. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) provides a structured approach to answering these questions effectively. It ensures that your response is clear, concise, and focused on the results of your actions, which is exactly what interviewers want to hear.

Using the STAR method also helps you avoid rambling or getting off-topic. By sticking to the framework, you ensure that your answer highlights your problem-solving skills and ability to deliver results. For example, instead of vaguely describing a challenge, you can say, “When my team faced a sudden staff shortage during the holiday season (Situation), I quickly reorganized shifts and cross-trained staff to cover key roles (Task). This ensured smooth operations and maintained guest satisfaction at 95% (Action and Result).”

• Situation: Provide context to set the stage for your example.
• Task: Explain your role in addressing the situation.
• Action: Describe the steps you took to resolve the issue.
• Result: Highlight the outcome, focusing on positive and measurable impacts.

By following these explanations, you’ll leave a strong and lasting impression during your next interview, ensuring that your skills and potential are remembered. Let me know if you’d like me to expand on the remaining points!