How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview

How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview Unfortunately, the job market at the start of the new year is extremely competitive, andemployers are often overwhelmed with job applications. The whole process can take more than several months to complete, which means it might be a while before an bewerberinterview is scheduled. During this suspenseful limbo period, brush up on how to rise above the competition in your interviews. Whether youve landed your dream interview or youre looking to prepare for it, here are some tips for rahmen yourself apart and nailing interviews.Do Your ResearchIf you really want to stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression, then you must thoroughly research the company youre interviewing with beforehand. Find out as much as possible about the company. Read reviews and articles, learn about the companys employees and your interviewer(s), and know the companys history.This research will show the interviewer that you care about the company and the punkt. As you read up on the company and its people, start thinking about potential questions to ask at the interview. The research can help you ask better questions - not typical, yawn-inducing ones - and get you brownie points for obviously doing your homework. The time you invested in brushing up on the company will also be put to use in improving your responses and boosting your confidence. Youll be able to cite specific examples to illustrate your points and talk about what you found particularly interesting. All of these advantages will leave the interviewer with the impression that you took the interview seriously and you are interested in company improvements.Know the PositionTo get hired, youll have to know the job youve applied for inside and out. Review the job descriptions language and how the company talks about the position on its website. Be prepared to talk about how your resume complements the job description. If you need help with this, use Jobscan to help you identify the specific language of the position and how that language compares to whats on your resume. When the majority of large companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to search for qualified candidates using resume keywords, its important that your resume makes it through the ATS to a human being - one who can potentially contact you to schedule an interview.During the interview, ask about what your daily tasks might include and highlight what interests you about the position. Show the interviewer that you can confidently perform all of the job requirements by providing specific, measurable examples from previous work or volunteer experiences. These examples should prove your accomplishments through concrete numbers and percentages, such as the percentage of projects you completed within budget, or the percentage of increased web traffic attributable to you.During the InterviewTry to go to your zen p lace for the interview its important to stay calm. Be friendly with the interviewer but professional. A lot of people get nervous for interviews, and thats totally okay. Channel your inner insert your favorite actor here persona and just dont let it show. Obvious signs of nervousness, such as twitching, fiddling with items, excessive hand movements, and avoiding eye contact can make the interview awkward and uncomfortable for both parties, plus they can distract from your awesome responses. Listen to the interviewer, dont interrupt him or her, and take time to think of appropriate responses before speaking. Dont be too modest this is the time to really sell yourself. Confidence in your ability to perform the desired job duties well will make you a memorable job candidate. And always remember that the basics go a long way in making you shine not simply as a person, but also as a potential addition to the team a firm handshake (no wet spaghetti handshakes, please), genuine smiles, and eye contact. Follow Up After the InterviewBefore you leave, ask about what will happen next. There may be further interview requirements or post-interview assignments to complete. Be sure to thank the interviewer and say that youre looking forward to hearing from him or her. Follow up with a sincere thank you emaille at least two hours after leaving the interview. Show that you were awake during the interview by including in the email a comment about something you found to be interesting during the interview, or something surprising that you learned from the interviewer. The email could also mention things about the position and company that you are excited about. If you havent heard back from them within a week (unless specifically told otherwise), send a follow up email asking about post-interview steps or if you can provide them with any additional information. Dont become discouraged if you dont hear back immediately - the interview process can take months. Your follow up shou ld strike the right balance show that youre very interested but dont over do it. Make sure that you dont come across as way too eager or desperate. Basically, thank the interviewer and follow up, but dont become a stalker. Thorough research about a job position and the company will increase your confidence and allow you to ace an interview. If you combine that with following up in an appropriate manner, youll show that youre willing to put in more effort than other candidates. Youll stand out from the competition as the very best candidate for the position.

How to Make a Recruiter Fight for You

How to Make a Recruiter Fight for YouHow to Make a Recruiter Fight for YouCompanies review hundreds of resumes when they have a position open, but therbeie is always that one perfect candidate that peaks a recruiters interest. There is a spark, positive energy, and he or she walks away feeling inspired. More importantly, he or she cant wait to tell their hiring manager about the person.Having someone on the inside who will fight for you sounds like a great position to be in, doesnt it?Dont get too far ahead of yourself by thinking this means a recruiter will take over your job search and do all your heavy lifting. Thats not the caseThis means the hiring process can be competitive, time-intensive and emotional, even for your recruiter. There are times when he or she might be working with 100 different candidates for various positions while simultaneously managing demanding bosses who want these jobs filled as fast as possible. So, when the recruiter meets an impressive job applicant w ho makes his or her job easier, he or she will go to bat for that person.Heres a few tips on how to build that relationship Be PreparedYou and the recruiter need to be on the same page in terms of your skills and past experiences (relevant and less relevant), any gaps in your employment history, and your short- and long-term career ambitions. The recruiter needs a clear picture of you as a candidate to refer you for the right role. Be HonestMisrepresenting yourself in any way is a big no-no. Honesty builds trust, whereas dishonesty- even exaggerating or just failing to mention something- can make your recruiter afraid to refer you.Just think how badly it will reflect on you (and the recruiter) if you hold something back or tell a white lie that eventually comes to light. And be under no illusion, these things always do. Be PassionateRecruiters are looking for qualified candidates who are serious about switching to the company they represent. If youre discussing an opportunity with a company whose values align with your own, this is the time to highlight how much you care. Be GraciousIf you feel iffy about the position, dont be afraid to ask about other opportunities. The recruiter will respect you for being prepared to admit that youre not the best person for the job. If you can, recommend contacts of your own that might be better suited. Recruiters remember candidates who are helpful.Building a positive relationship with a recruiter is just like building any other relationship, personal or professional. As long as youre nice, honest and gracious, even if it doesnt work out, youll get what you put in back in spades

How to Prepare for a Science Fair

How to Prepare for a Science Fair How to Prepare for a Science Fair How to Prepare for a Science FairA little table-top real estate, a good idea, and a young, enthusiastic student whos ready to share. The science fair, along with its main components, has been a mainstay for decades, sometimes one of the few means of encouragement for an engineering hopeful. But where does the fair stand today, how does it help students, and whats the best way to prepare for one?Engineering has been such an emphasis at science fairs that many share the name in the title. Brenda Mann, director of the University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair, a regional fair for students in 5th through 12th grades thats held each March, believes in fostering an environment of discovery and encouragement, not just winning first place.Yes, we should think about what it can do for them but we shouldnt miss out on just the wonder of sharing ideas. Brenda Mann, director, University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair It gives them hands-on experience, she says. In many schools, engineering doesnt get focused on that much, but science fairs seem to hit on it, even if the kids at first dont understand thats what it is. They want to find out how something works and improve upon it. They may think of it as just tinkering, but we think of it as a chance to grow the skill of problem-solving. University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair 2018. Image University of UtahIn todays working world, where collaborative, presentation, and communications skills are highly prized, Mann sees the fair as an early opportunity to hone those skills.We encourage the ability to do it on two levels for the industry person to understand but also that a non-industry person could, she says. It has to be that they dont get so caught up in the work that they forget to focus on how to communicate it.For You Read How Experiential Learning and Cooperative Education Pay OffFor people who want to departure their o wn engineering fair, Mann suggests first talking to parents, teachers, and engineers to gauge its feasibility. If it is feasible, allow enough time to correct any problems that could arise before and during the event, she says.Fairs are also often a great chance to connect students with mentors. The University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair has paired up many students with engineers, who have helped students follow a career path in the field.A student ended up in an internship just because the judge liked their project, she says. They didnt win. But this person saw something in them. That can sometimes be all it takes.Another participant went on to work on a project for NASA after an administration representative noticed her work at the fair. About 50 companies, including high-profile employers like Dell, Boeing and Adobe, attend the University of Utah Science and Engineering.At the time of writing, the Fair is only eight days away and Manns nerves grow as it nears. Not just f or the students, but for all of us, she says. You get excited for the amazing things theyre going to show us. Its what makes this so fun. Yes, we should think about what it can do for them but we shouldnt miss out on just the wonder of sharing ideas. The part of the Fair that is often rated the highest by students is just being able to spend time talking to the judges. Theyve been waiting to share what theyve learned, and are proud of what theyve accomplished.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.Read More12 Skills You Need to Advance an Engineering CareerSTEM Grant Diversifies Computer ScienceHow to Homeschool Engineering Students