What makes a job seeker stand out

You submitted your resume and landed the interview, but what next? As you research the company and prepare for commonly asked interview questions, you must ask yourself one thing: How can I make myself stand out? Luckily, some of our expert recruiters here at CFS have some tips to help you do just that.

Be Professional

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You only have one chance to make a first impression?” This saying couldn’t be any truer when it comes to interviewing for a job. It is crucial to arrive 5-10 minutes early and to dress professionally. Our recruiters cannot stress that enough! This means a suit or a dress. Jeans are not acceptable. In addition, have multiple copies of your resume and a notepad and pen to take notes with.

Be Personable

In an interview, you need to turn the interview into a conversation. Ryan Glick, Executive Recruiter of CFS Shelton, remembers people who he connects with on a deeper level. It’s not just about proving that you have the skills necessary to do the job, but that you can fit in at the company. Ryan advises to not only speak about the position but to also be personable.

Be Able to Elaborate

It is crucial to be able to explain yourself. You need to answer each question with poise and provide strong examples with strong details. The interviewer has already read your resume, so now is the time to expand upon your qualifications. Now you can really delve into what you are looking for, why you want the job, and what you can bring to the company. This is your chance to put a face to the name and make a lasting impression.  

Diane Lemaire, Senior Managing Director of CFS Houston, highly recommends creating a story with your answers. Be careful not to ramble though. The goal is to create a visual in the interviewers mind. Diane adds that the interviewer wants to be able to picture you at the desk doing the job. If you can accomplish this during your interview, you will have a distinct advantage over other candidates.

Stable Background

The duration of employment under your work experience stands out to a recruiter or hiring manager. Yes, working for a strong company is an added bonus, but a proven track record of staying with a company truly stands out. Randy Schwartz, Branch Manager of CFS Nashville, says that staying with a company and making changes when it advances your career is noteworthy. If a candidate has long-term goals, knows the steps to achieve them, and makes the decisions necessary to do so then they will be successful.

On the other hand, if a candidate has held many different positions in a short period of time, then a recruiter or potential employer will question their loyalty. They will question how long you’ll want to stay at their company and hesitate when it comes to hiring you.

Have Questions

This is a great way to stand out! The question segment of the interview typically allows you to prove that you’ve done your research on the company and is essentially your time to shine. While you should ask some questions that illustrate your knowledge, don’t ask these questions because you have to. Ask uncommon questions as well. An interviewer will remember someone who asks unique questions and will appreciate your intellectual curiosity.

Strong Communication Skills

Aside from interviewing well, you must communicate via email/phone in a professional manner as well. Coleen Trombley, Managing Director of CFS Hartford, says that getting back to your recruiter/interviewer helps you stand out. Taking that extra effort to respond quickly and give feedback to your recruiter will set you apart from other candidates who are not as efficient.

Send a Thank You

Now that the interview is over, it’s time for the Thank You card. Mike Ruben, Managing Director of CFS Fort Lauderdale, says that sending a Thank You note is a crucial step that many candidates commonly overlook. An email is perfectly acceptable, but if a candidate sends nothing then they hurt their chances. If the decision comes down to someone who sent a Thank You and someone who didn’t, the recruiter will lean heavily towards the one who did. In addition, this note is your last chance to solidify why you are the best person for the position. Who wouldn’t want that chance?!

Have questions about how you can stand out in your job search? We want to hear it so comment below! You can also reach out to one of our expert recruiters. Find the closest location to you here.