Do you have an important job interview coming up? 

The key to getting the job is being memorable and standing out and it can be accomplished with some quick prep and a confident smile!  

We all know how important the first-impression is in a job interview, but it’s also just as critical to identify ways to be memorable in a way that resonates with the person or group interviewing you. 

Although it may sound challenging, leaving a lasting impression can be easily accomplished by focusing on 3 key elements of your job interview that I will share with you here today.  

Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people but luckily most of those nerves can be calmed with a little preparation and focus on what makes you stand out a candidate and individual. 

To ace your interview, you’ll want to be incredibly specific when it comes to your strengths, come prepared with thoughtful questions and ultimately let your confidence shine through. 

1) Define Your Top Strengths

The best way to leave your interviewer with a clear picture of who you are is to identify 3 strengths you exemplify REALLY well and focus on them in a way that makes you memorable. One great way to do this is to have specific stories, projects or results that you can share and relate back to your strengths (Hero Stories are an excellent way to prepare for this – read more about them here!) This is the perfect way to impress your interviewer by showing up examples that speak to what you are most passionate and talented at. 

Be wary of rambling or listing TOO many “strengths”, you will end up diluting your impact and memorability by using ALL the keywords that might be included in the job description. 

If you’re unsure of what strengths are best to use or are having a hard time narrowing them down, consider making a list of your top 5 strengths, and then dependent on the job you are interviewing for pull out the top 3 that you think will be the most relevant and impactful for the interview at hand.

Identify your strengths and get interview ready with this free 5-page worksheet! Download it here.

You should feel prepared to speak to the 3 strengths you’ve identified in a way that conveys a story and allows the people interviewing you to feel like you can bring those same traits and results to their company.

During the interview you will want to look for opportunities to naturally speak about these strengths whether you are asked directly or you find a good opportunity to incorporate into another answer or example. It is key to mention them in a few different ways or contexts so it stands out. 

2) Ask Memorable Questions to Make a Connection

Next, you will want to continue to prepare by deciding what you would like to know about the role and the company. This interview is just as much yours as it is your prospective employers, so take a minute to think about what you want to know more about the role or the culture. 

I know we all have been in there in that moment…

The interviewer pauses and says “Okay, now it’s your turn, what would you like to know about us?” and your mind instantly goes blank, wishing you had thought of something you wanted to know before hand. 

Let’s all vow to do ourselves better by ALWAYS planning to ask at least 3 poignant questions at the end of your interview. You will want to make sure they are specific to the company’s structure, mission, history, or vision of the future to show that you’ve done your homework by looking at the company beforehand. 

These questions you ask the interviewer will work overtime by allowing you to get critical information about the role and if it fits your criteria for a DREAM position in addition to giving the interviewer an opportunity to speak candidly about the company. 

As someone who has been on both sides of the interview table, I know that when someone comes prepared with questions that they are both dedicated and detail oriented when it comes to their efforts for a new position.

3) Wear an Outfit You LOVE

Now this is where that first impression comes into play that I mentioned earlier. When we wear clothes, accessories, and makeup that make us feel like the BEST version of ourselves, it shines through in our confidence and presence. 

I encourage you to spend the extra time to find YOUR perfect outfit for the interview because it matters! Everyone should have a “go-to” interview outfit in their wardrobe that they can pull at a moment’s notice. If you don’t have this in your closet yet, think about the types of outfits and pieces that you feel most confident in. 

Need some help deciding what’s “appropriate” to wear? Here’s a great article from Bossed Up on how to dress for a job interview.

Depending on the company you are interviewing for, try to find something that makes you feel like a million bucks to incorporate into your outfit…maybe it’s an amazing fitted blazer, a statement handbag, or a fun pair of shoes. 

When we wear things that make us feel our best, that joy and confidence shines through in our presence – and your interviewer will be able to notice it as well!

Tie It All Together with Self-Care & a Positive Mindset

At this point you’ve done A LOT of hard work to get to this point: an interview for a job at a company you would love…yay! 

You’ve prepared your strengths, impact stories, and you’re armed with questions for the end of the interview – all while bringing it together with a killer outfit, bravo! 

The last key piece is to bring everything back to the center – you!

Consider creating a short ritual before your interview that will help you have clarity and energy for the day’s event. Some of my favorite ways to ground myself before a big interview are a gratitude session, a quick meditation, a morning yoga session, or grabbing a coffee in the morning and reading an empowering book. A small self care moment will leave you focused and ready to put your best self forward in the interview. 

I hope this article has given you the tools you need to make your next interview the most memorable yet and if you are looking for more ways to prepare I encourage you to download my interview readiness worksheet. 

This FREE Q&A will prepare you for EVERY possible interview question, download now  >> Interview Readiness Worksheet.