5 Ways to Set Yourself Apart From Other Candidates

So you want to get a job. You're in luck! This is your market, given that unemployment rates are incredibly low.

Still, when interviewing for a job, you may have competition from several other candidates all wanting to land the same position. You have to STAND OUT and show how you shine above the rest. You have to offer something none of the other candidates can.

Let's go over some of the best and effective ways in which you can stand out and get that job!

Research the Company Ahead of Time

Look through the available public resources about the company you are applying to work at. Great sites are glassdoor.com, linkedin.com, and the local online business journal. Follow the company on social media and get an idea of who their employees are. Learn what they are all about, what their mission statement is, as well as other information that you can refer to during your interview. By knowing more about the company, you indicate to the interviewer that you are truly interested in the company beyond simply getting a paycheck. Be enthusiastic about the role and what you see the company doing by giving specifics to the information you researched.

Treat the Interview Like a Conversation

You want to avoid be too robotic with your answers and responding as if you were in a sworn deposition. You are not taking a test in an interview. You should appear personable and human. Treating the interview like a conversation also means you should have some back-and-forth questions and answers. Initiate with questions when you feel it can help with getting more clarity on the position. Always have 3-5 specific questions for your interviewer ready to go. Candidates with curiosity about the company and role always stand out. No questions, no offer.

Bring an Action Plan

This one depends on what sort of position you are applying for, but for more intermediate and higher positions, it can be helpful to bring your 1, 2, or even 3-month plan for what you would like to accomplish. You can bring this in as a document you can hand over to the interviewer so they can review it. Be ambitious, but stay realistic. Even if it is not going to be a plan that will work for your position exactly, at least you will stand out from the crowd.

Use Good Body Language

While you will be talking during a job interview, your body will be doing most of the talking. You want to make a good impression as soon as you walk through the door and before you say anything. You should come across as someone who is confident and receptive to what the interviewer is saying. Keep your shoulders back, make direct eye contact, sit upright, and look confident. Avoid doing anything distracting such as tapping your feel or twiddling your thumbs.

Hand Deliver a Handwritten Thank You Note

Finally, after the interview, you could give your interviewer a "Thank You" note, but with a twist.

Everyone knows that sending one of these to the person that interviewed you is good form.

How do you stand out from all the Thank You notes? Write your note, by hand, on cardstock. Deliver it, in person. Now that is a way to get remembered! Plus they get the note before they make a decision about which candidate they want to proceed with.

Be Courteous to the Receptionist

This should be obvious but I hear the horror stories all the time. The receptionist is the gatekeeper to the entire company. It is likely this person will relay how you were acting in the lobby while waiting for the interviewer to meet you. You need to remain professional (because you are) at all times. The moment you get to the parking lot, the elevator, the restroom and when you check in with reception. It all matters and it all is under review when you are wanting to showcase yourself in the best light. Be kind and respectful, period.

Hopefully, you won't be surrounded by a squad of potential candidates. If you want to beat out a crowded field of candidates, you should do your best to incorporate every one of these tips so you land that dream job.

If you want to stand out, even more, follow me on Instagram for updates on recruiting trends and tips. I can also be found on LinkedIn and would love to connect!