Interviews are more than just a skills assessment - they’re your opportunity to leave a lasting impression and show employers why you’re the perfect fit for their team. As a recruiter, I’ve seen many candidates with strong qualifications struggle to stand out during interviews. But by taking the right approach, you can make sure you’re remembered for all the right reasons.

1. Research the Company

Before attending your interview, take the time to research the organisation. Understand their mission, values, and goals. Showing genuine interest in the company demonstrates commitment and allows you to align your answers with what they’re looking for in a candidate.

Tip: Go beyond the company’s website - explore their latest news, LinkedIn updates, and recent achievements to uncover insights you can reference during the interview.

2. Tell Your Story

Your CV highlights your experience, but the interview is where you bring it to life. Share authentic, specific examples of challenges you’ve faced, how you addressed them, and the results of your actions. Real stories make you relatable, memorable, and credible.

Tip: Structure your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your stories focused and impactful.

3. Highlight What Makes You Unique

What sets you apart from other candidates? Whether it’s your ability to solve complex problems, remain calm under pressure, or foster team collaboration, identify your unique strengths and communicate them clearly. Confidence in what you bring to the table helps employers see you as the right fit.

Tip: Practise summarising your key skills in a short personal pitch to deliver during the interview.

4. Demonstrate Active Listening

Interviews are a two-way conversation. Show your attentiveness by listening closely to questions, asking for clarification when needed, and responding thoughtfully. Active listening signals genuine interest and professionalism.

Tip: Take a brief pause before answering questions to ensure your response is thoughtful and relevant.

5. Show Your Personality (In-Person and Virtual Interviews)

An interview is as much about your personality as your qualifications. Whether in person or over video, aim to make a positive, authentic impression:

In-Person Interviews:
Focus on confident, approachable body language. A firm handshake, good posture, and a natural smile can help create a strong first impression. Maintain eye contact where comfortable to show engagement.

Virtual Interviews:
Ensure your setup is professional - tidy background, good lighting, and a camera positioned at eye level. Look into the camera periodically to simulate eye contact, and use your voice and expressions to convey enthusiasm.

Neurodiversity and Eye Contact:
For some, maintaining eye contact or using traditional body language may not feel natural, we talk about this in one of our previous blogs here. If this applies to you, don’t feel pressured to conform. Instead, focus on being authentic and communicating in a way that works best for you. If you feel comfortable, you can even let the interviewer know: “I sometimes find maintaining eye contact challenging, but I’m fully engaged and focused on our conversation.”

Tip: Practise your virtual setup with a friend to ensure you’re comfortable and confident on camera.

6. Ask Thoughtful Questions

When the interviewer invites your questions, don’t shy away. Asking about team dynamics, company vision, or opportunities for growth demonstrates genuine interest and a long-term mindset.

Example: “What does success look like in this role?” or “Can you share more about the team’s working style?”

7. Follow Up with a Thank You

Never underestimate the value of a personalised thank-you email. Send it within 24 hours to express your gratitude, reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role, and reiterate key points that position you as the ideal candidate.

Tip: Reference something specific from your conversation to make your message personal and thoughtful.

Why Preparation Matters: A Candidate’s Perspective

We’re proud to support candidates in navigating the competitive job market by providing detailed, actionable interview preparation. As one candidate recently shared:

"Your team was incredibly professional and fast. I was contacted on Tuesday and had already completed two interview stages by Friday! I’ve never received such a detailed email to prepare for an interview from any other recruitment company before - it was invaluable. That kind of preparation and care makes all the difference in today’s competitive job market. Overall, I had a fantastic experience with your team, and you should be proud of what you’ve built!"

Final Thoughts

Standing out in an interview isn’t just about your qualifications - it’s about building a connection, showcasing your authentic self, and demonstrating why you’re the perfect fit for the role. By preparing thoroughly and following these steps, you’ll ensure you’re memorable for all the right reasons. If you’re preparing for an interview, be sure to download our detailed Interview Preparation Guide for tailored tips to help you succeed.

Download here