5 Questions to Make You Stand Out in an Interview

Interview, Job Search

Many advice articles talk about the importance of the interviewee-interviewer questions. They argue that asking the interviewer questions can often help you decide whether the job is for you or not.

In actuality, it’s likely most of your questions will already have been answered, and at the end of the day, you’re there to impress. (Tweet this thought.)

So what are the questions you should be asking to do just that?

1. Ask About the Company

This instantly shows you’ve done your research, and it’s the most useful tactic for question time. Make sure you read up on recent deals, projects and company mission statements. If it’s something you can really relate to, make sure they can see that. You’re halfway to starting the job if you already understand the company as well as its employees.

Extend that to advertise yourself even more. Ask if work you’ve already done, or your expertise, could be used in a specific project moving forward. Before you know it, you’re talking strategy, and they’ve already seen how well you could work with them.

2. Ask Your Interviewer About Their Personal Achievements

Often, the person interviewing you is a senior member of staff. As such, they’ll be easy to look up. If you can find out what they’re boasting about on their company profile, use it. It can be a great foundation for building rapport with your interviewer and making you stand out beyond the usual interview dialogue.

For instance, their previous employment (“How did you find this company after moving here from your old one? Was it hard to adapt?”) can be a great footing for getting a feel of the company you’ll be entering into while showing that you’ve done your homework.

3. Address Your Weaknesses

This can be a brave move, but sometimes you may feel you have a weak spot on your resume, or maybe you stumbled during questioning. Regain control and ask,  “Is there anything that concerns you about my suitability for the role?”

Interviewers give little away, so this gives you a chance to defend your corner. Obviously, if there are real weaknesses, then it may be best to avoid this question entirely; use your discretion!

4. Discuss Your Volunteer Work/Causes

No doubt it will have come up already if it’s current or relevant, but your volunteer work may be incredibly diverse and interesting. Companies invest time in corporate social responsibility programs, not always in the form you assume. Ask what they support, and what they value as a company in their community.

Not only could this spark interesting conversation and future cooperation ideas; it also demonstrates your beliefs and interests outside of work. It’s how I got my small charity involved with my much larger workplace; as a result, my career prospects are much improved!

5. Go Back to Something In the Interview You Want to Expand On

Many interviewers mention things in passing that you may not always be able or feel it’s appropriate to follow up on. So use this time to do that. It demonstrates that you were paying attention and allows you to explore perhaps a different angle of the interview.

You may be able to discuss something about your skill set that could have been overlooked and, if you panic, it’s always a good fallback to have at this stage if your mind goes blank.

These are five simple, but effective, ways to break the mold at your interview. Be the candidate who is remembered by being the one who stands out. Your excellent resume can only do so much of the talking. Good luck!

What’s your top tactic for standing out in an interview? Share in the comments!

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