You landed the job interview – congrats! But in today’s ever competitive job market, how do you make yourself stand out amongst the crowd? Every step in the interview process is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression. From crafting a compelling resume, to nailing behavioral interview questions, being strategic and intentional throughout each step is crucial. These five strategies will help you put your best foot forward and leave a positive mark on your candidacy. 

1. Start at the Application
Your resume is your first chance to make an impression. Ensure it’s updated, accurate, and tells a clear story of your experience and skills. A clean, easy-to-read format is crucial, as is keeping it concise — aim for a single page if possible. Focus on highlighting the unique value you bring to each role. For example, listen to the difference in the following statements.

• Created ad campaigns to support lead generation.
• Executed five digital ad campaigns, generating 30 new client accounts and boosting click-through rates by 60%.

The second statement is a vastly more powerful. This shows not only what you did but the measurable impact you made.

2. Follow Up Thoughtfully
Following up on an application or interview is an often-overlooked step that can leave a lasting impression. A polite follow-up email or LinkedIn message shows your genuine interest in the role. Keep it brief and direct: “Hello, my name is X, and I just applied for the [position name]. I am very interested in learning more and look forward to connecting with your team!” After the interview, a follow-up note thanking the hiring team for their time and reiterating why you’re a good fit can also stand out. Mentioning a specific aspect of the conversation you enjoyed or a unique skill you bring helps reinforce your enthusiasm and attentiveness.

3. Do Your Homework
Preparation is key. Expect to answer a version of “What do you know about our company and role so far?” Not having an answer can imply a lack of interest or preparation. You don’t need to know everything, but a baseline understanding of the company’s mission, values, and the specific role shows you’re genuinely interested. Researching the company ahead of time can help you connect your skills to their goals, leaving a strong impression on the interviewer.
Beyond researching the company, practice talking about yourself and your experience. While it can feel unnatural to talk about your accomplishments, it’s essential to communicate them confidently. Practicing with a friend or even in front of a mirror can help you get comfortable discussing your skills and achievements in a clear, concise way.

4. Nailing the Interview: Aim for a Conversation
The interview is more than just a skills assessment — it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality. Viewing the interview as a ‘get to know you’ conversation rather than a rigid Q&A session can help reduce the pressure, allowing you to be yourself and letting both you and the interviewer get a sense of cultural fit.
An ideal interview flows as a natural back-and-forth, with both sides engaging in questions and sharing insights. This conversational style not only demonstrates your interpersonal skills but also shows the interviewer how you might interact with team members. Remember that your responses, tone, and energy can offer valuable clues to the interviewer about how you might contribute to the team’s culture, and vice versa. A mutually beneficial fit is the goal. 
Listening attentively and responding thoughtfully are key to maintaining this conversational flow. This approach can also highlight your enthusiasm and genuine interest, which hiring managers value highly.

5. Use the STAR Method for Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work” are common in interviews and can catch you off guard if you’re unprepared. The STAR method offers a structured way to respond to these questions effectively:

• Situation: Briefly describe the context. This should be specific enough to provide clarity without unnecessary details.
• Task: Outline your responsibility in that situation. Define what was at stake and your role.
• Action: Describe the specific steps you took to address the issue. This is where you highlight relevant skills, techniques, or resources you applied.
• Result: Summarize the outcome and, if possible, quantify it. This is a great way to showcase the impact of your actions.

Using this outline keeps your answers concise and ensures that each response is complete, demonstrating not just your skills but also how you apply them to solve real problems.

Final Thoughts
With these steps, you are presenting yourself as a capable and genuinely interested candidate. While there is no exact equation to secure your offer, putting these strategies into place will increase your chances of finding a position that is the best fit for your career. Being thorough in your preparation and structuring your approach to the interview process can set you apart in very meaningful ways.