It was a rainy morning in Lagos, and the traffic seemed to conspire against me. I had an interview scheduled for 10 a.m. at one of the top firms in the city, and my nerves were already frazzled.
I had rehearsed my answers, prepared my portfolio, and picked out my best suit. Yet, as I sat in the back seat of an old taxi, watching the minutes tick away, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had done enough to stand out.
That interview turned out to be a life lesson. I didn’t just learn what employers are looking for, I discovered the little things that leave a lasting impression. If you’re like I was that day, nervous and unsure, these tips are for you.
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“First impressions last longer than the interview itself,” a mentor once told me. She was right. Studies show that recruiters form opinions about candidates within the first few minutes of an interview.
When I finally arrived at my interview, drenched from the rain, I made it a point to walk in with a warm smile, firm handshake, and an apology for my late arrival. The interviewer appreciated my sincerity and composed demeanor, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Your body language matters. Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and exude confidence without arrogance. Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture. These may seem like small details, but they set the tone for everything that follows.
Know the Company Inside Out
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Imagine this: you’re at a party, and someone strikes up a conversation about your favorite hobby. You’d light up, right? That’s how employers feel when you show genuine interest in their company.
Before my interview, I spent hours researching the company. I read their mission statement, studied their recent projects, and even checked out the LinkedIn profiles of some of their employees. During the interview, I brought up a recent initiative they launched and shared my thoughts on how I could contribute to similar projects.
This wasn’t just about showing off my research skills; it was about aligning my goals with theirs. It showed them I wasn’t just looking for a job, I was looking to be part of their team.
Tell Your Story
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Here’s something I learned the hard way: your resume gets you in the door, but your story gets you the job.
When the interviewer asked me about my biggest career challenge, I didn’t just list technical jargon or generic examples. I shared a story about a project where everything went wrong. A team member dropped out, the deadline was moved up, and our resources were slashed. I explained how I rallied the remaining team, restructured our timeline, and delivered the project on time.
Stories are memorable. They humanize you and make you relatable. Think about moments in your career that highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership, or resilience. Share those stories in a way that connects to the role you’re applying for.
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Showcase Your Unique Value
During that same interview, one question caught me off guard: “Why should we hire you?”
Instead of panicking, I took a deep breath and thought about what made me different. I told them about my knack for identifying inefficiencies and finding innovative solutions. I shared specific examples of how I had increased productivity in my previous roles and tied it back to the challenges their company was facing.
Employers aren’t just looking for someone who can do the job, they’re looking for someone who can do it better than anyone else. Reflect on your skills, experiences, and achievements. What makes you unique? What problems can you solve for this company that others might not?
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Ask Thoughtful Questions
When the interviewer asked if I had any questions, I saw it as an opportunity to stand out. Instead of asking generic questions about the job description, I asked about the company’s vision for the next five years and how the team measured success.
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. It also gives you a chance to learn whether the company is the right fit for you. Prepare a list of questions ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to come up with new ones based on the conversation.
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Practice Active Listening
Interviews aren’t just about talking, they’re about connecting.
During my interview, I noticed how one of the panelists emphasized teamwork. Later, when answering a question about my leadership style, I tied it back to their point, emphasizing how I prioritize collaboration in my projects.
Listening actively shows respect and helps you tailor your responses. It’s not just about what you say; it’s about how well you understand their needs and respond accordingly.
Handle Tough Questions with Grace
At one point during my interview, I was asked about a gap in my resume. My heart raced, but I reminded myself to stay calm. I explained that during that time, I had taken a break to learn new skills and focus on personal growth. I even shared how those experiences had made me a better professional.
Tough questions are inevitable. The key is to answer honestly while framing your response in a positive light. Employers appreciate candidates who can own their story and show how they’ve grown from challenges.
Follow Up Like a Pro
After the interview, I sent a personalized thank-you email to each panelist. I mentioned specific moments from the conversation and reiterated my enthusiasm for the role.
This simple act helped me stand out. A thoughtful follow-up shows gratitude and keeps you top of mind. It’s also an opportunity to address anything you forgot to mention during the interview.
Conclusion: Be Memorable
When I look back on that rainy day in Lagos, I realize that what made me stand out wasn’t just my qualifications, it was my authenticity, preparation, and ability to connect with the interviewers.
Standing out in an interview isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being memorable. It’s about showing the employer that you’re not just a candidate, you’re the candidate.
So, as you prepare for your next interview, remember:
- Make a strong first impression.
- Do your homework on the company.
- Share stories that highlight your strengths.
- Show how you can add unique value.
- Engage with thoughtful questions.
- Listen actively and respond thoughtfully.
- Handle tough questions with confidence.
- Follow up with a personal touch.
That job you’re dreaming of? It’s within your reach. Prepare well, be yourself, and go get it!
As I walked out of that interview room, the rain had stopped, and the sun peeked through the clouds. A week later, I got the call: “You’re hired.” And just like that, my life changed. Yours can too.
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