10 Things Great Candidates Do in Job Interviews
Job interviews are often considered one of the most pivotal steps in securing a new position, as they provide candidates the opportunity to showcase their skills, experience, and personality. The way a candidate approaches an interview can make a significant difference in how they are perceived by potential employers. While technical skills and qualifications are undoubtedly important, other factors—such as preparation, communication, and professionalism—are just as crucial for making a lasting impression. Here are 10 things great candidates do in job interviews that set them apart from the rest.
1. Thorough Research on the Company
Successful candidates come prepared by thoroughly researching the company they are interviewing with. This means understanding the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent achievements. By doing this, candidates can tailor their responses to align with the organization’s goals, demonstrating not only their interest in the role but also their commitment to being a part of the company’s future success. A well-researched candidate is able to ask insightful questions and offer thoughtful comments that show they’ve invested time in learning about the organization.
For instance, a candidate might mention a company’s recent initiative, saying, “I read that you recently launched a new product line focused on sustainability. I’m very excited about the direction the company is taking and would love to contribute to such innovative projects.” This type of engagement signals to the interviewer that the candidate is both proactive and knowledgeable.
2. Clear and Concise Communication
Great candidates understand the importance of clear and concise communication. When answering questions, they avoid long-winded responses and instead focus on delivering their answers in a structured and coherent manner. This is particularly important when discussing past experiences or describing how their skills align with the position. Being able to clearly articulate thoughts without rambling shows a candidate’s ability to think critically and communicate effectively—skills that are essential in almost any role.
An effective approach could be the use of the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when responding to behavioral questions. For example, when asked about a time they handled a difficult customer, the candidate might say, “In my previous role (Situation), I was responsible for addressing customer complaints (Task). I took the time to listen actively and understand their concerns (Action), and as a result, we were able to resolve the issue and retain the customer (Result).”
3. Positivity and Enthusiasm
During a job interview, maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating enthusiasm for the role is crucial. Employers want to hire candidates who are not only skilled but also motivated and excited about the opportunity to contribute. A great candidate shows enthusiasm by expressing genuine interest in the role and speaking positively about their past experiences. Their energy is contagious, helping to create a connection with the interviewer.
For example, a candidate might say, “I’m really excited about this opportunity because it aligns perfectly with my passion for technology and innovation. I’ve been following your company for some time and am eager to contribute my skills to a team that is leading the way in the industry.”
4. Preparation for Common Interview Questions
While it’s impossible to predict every question that will be asked in an interview, great candidates always come prepared for the most common interview questions. These include queries about strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and challenges faced in previous roles. Being prepared means answering these questions with confidence and using specific examples that demonstrate competence and problem-solving abilities.
For instance, when asked about their strengths, the candidate might respond, “One of my key strengths is adaptability. In my previous job, I was often tasked with managing multiple projects simultaneously. I quickly learned how to prioritize tasks and adjust my approach based on evolving priorities.”
5. Showcasing Cultural Fit
While technical skills and qualifications are important, employers also want to ensure that a candidate is a good fit for the company culture. Great candidates understand this and make an effort to highlight how their values, work style, and personality align with the company’s culture. By demonstrating an understanding of the organization’s values, a candidate can effectively position themselves as someone who will seamlessly integrate into the team.
For example, if the company emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, the candidate might say, “I thrive in team-based environments. I believe that the best solutions come from brainstorming ideas and drawing on the strengths of diverse team members.”
6. Active Listening
Listening attentively during an interview is just as important as speaking. Great candidates actively listen to the interviewer’s questions and comments before responding thoughtfully. This allows them to fully understand the question, show respect for the interviewer, and respond in a way that directly addresses the inquiry. Active listening also involves picking up on cues during the conversation that may indicate what the interviewer values most.
A candidate who listens attentively might even ask follow-up questions or comment on something the interviewer has said, showing that they are fully engaged in the discussion.
7. Confidence Without Arrogance
While confidence is key to making a strong impression, great candidates understand the delicate balance between confidence and arrogance. They speak assertively about their achievements and abilities but avoid sounding boastful or overbearing. Being confident allows the interviewer to believe in the candidate’s ability to succeed in the role, while humility ensures the candidate is approachable and receptive to feedback.
For instance, when discussing a previous accomplishment, the candidate could say, “I’m proud of the project I led that resulted in a 20% increase in sales. It was a collaborative effort, and I worked closely with my team to identify the best strategies. I believe this experience has prepared me to take on similar challenges in this role.”
8. Professional Appearance
First impressions matter, and a professional appearance is an essential part of that. Great candidates dress appropriately for the interview, ensuring they look polished and put-together. A well-groomed appearance suggests to the employer that the candidate takes the opportunity seriously and values professionalism. Even for more casual work environments, it’s still important to dress neatly and appropriately for the company’s culture.
Choosing an outfit that aligns with the company’s dress code—whether it’s business formal or smart casual—demonstrates that the candidate understands the expectations and is respectful of the organization’s culture.
9. Follow-Up and Appreciation
After the interview, great candidates always send a thoughtful thank-you note or email. This follow-up message expresses gratitude for the interviewer’s time and reiterates the candidate’s interest in the position. It also provides an opportunity to briefly mention something specific discussed during the interview, reinforcing the candidate’s enthusiasm and fit for the role.
A thank-you email could include a statement like, “I really appreciated the opportunity to speak with you today and learn more about the team’s innovative work. I’m even more excited about the possibility of contributing to your projects and becoming part of your dynamic organization.”
10. Being Authentic
Above all, great candidates are authentic during interviews. They stay true to themselves, showing their genuine personality and expressing their thoughts honestly. Authenticity is valued by employers because it suggests the candidate will bring a real, consistent version of themselves to the workplace. Authentic candidates are not trying to “sell” a false version of who they are but rather present themselves as they truly are, which often leads to better long-term job fits.
For example, a candidate might share personal motivations or values that drive their work, saying, “I’m deeply passionate about sustainability, which is why I’m drawn to your company’s environmental initiatives. I strive to integrate these values into my work, and I’m excited by the chance to contribute to meaningful projects here.”
Conclusion
Securing a job requires more than just the right qualifications and experience—it’s also about how candidates present themselves during interviews. By doing their research, preparing for common questions, demonstrating enthusiasm, and maintaining professionalism, great candidates make themselves stand out as strong contenders for any position. Additionally, showcasing authenticity, listening actively, and ensuring a cultural fit can make all the difference in turning a good interview into a successful job offer. Candidates who master these key elements set themselves apart from others, demonstrating that they are not only capable of doing the job but are also the right fit for the organization.