Nearly everyone has minor stumbles in a job interview.  However, these flaws can be overcome with actions to engage the interviewer.  Some ways to make yourself memorable in an interview include:

• Start the interview with a question or comment that reflects your preparation about the company.
• As appropriate, answer the questions you are asked with a question. This approach is usually only valid when talking with operating staff, but not with a human resources person.
• Remember to emphasize your awareness and potential contributions to the needs of the company, including ideas for addressing current concerns and market opportunities. Rather than a specific solution, communicate your sensitivity and awareness of their problems.
• Show your humanness through humor, openness, and vulnerability.
• Prepare with strong research on the company that allows you to better answer expected questions and to interact as you discuss your experiences and potential organizational contributions.
• Think and talk like a consultant to communicate confidence and competency.

For additional information on strong interview impression, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Have students role play situations interview situations that they might encounter when applying for a job.
• Have students create responses to potential interview questions based on the suggestions in this article.

Discussion Questions 

1. How might the advice offered in this article be used when you are in an interview situation?
2. Describe some common mistakes people might make in interviews. Explain actions to overcome these mistakes.