As a Talent Acquisition Partner, one of the most common questions candidates ask me is ‘how can I stand out in my interview?’ Hopefully the below offers some helpful guidance on how to make a positive impact and lasting impression by really making the most of your opportunity to impress.   

I’ve attended more interviews than I can count and what I’ve noticed is, the candidates who stand out aren’t necessarily the most experienced. Instead, candidates who turn interview questions into a real conversation and engage with the interview are the ones who impress. One way you can do this is by asking thoughtful and relevant questions, demonstrating an understanding of the role and a desire to learn more. 

While it sounds simple, asking meaningful questions requires preparation. When done right, it’s a fantastic way to demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the role. 

Don’t just answer the questions, engage! 

Answering the questions asked is, of course, important. But the most memorable interviews are those where there’s a natural back-and-forth. So, take a moment to digest the question and structure your answer with relevant examples using the S.T.A.R. method (situation, task, action, and result). My colleague, Glen Catchpole has written a blog post on this that you may find helpful for. Check it out here!  

Preparing for a job interview Jobs | Jet2Careers  However, to add depth to your answer and create a dialogue rather than a one-way interview think “can I show curiosity, confidence, and emotional intelligence (all great assets to have) by asking a meaningful question in response?” (caveat: not every question requires a follow up question, as it’s equally as important to be mindful of time, but where you feel you can add value, go for it!)  

Ask with Purpose 

Generic questions like “tell me about the company culture?” are fine, but tailored, role-specific questions are often more effective. For example, “what would a successful first 6 months in this role look like?” or “what are some exciting projects your team are currently working on, and if I am successful, how might I be involved?” Comparing these different styles of questions, the second will give you a deeper understanding of the role and the team’s purpose. Bonus points for also showing your interviewer that you’re paying attention. 

Interviewing is a two-way street 

Remember, you’re assessing if this role is right for you, too. By asking intelligent, open-ended questions, you’re not only learning more about the role, you’re building rapport. Interviews should feel reciprocal, while your interviewers are learning about you, you’re also learning about the role. 

If you find something they mention interesting, don’t be afraid to follow up with “that’s really interesting, I’d love to learn more about that”, or better yet, use it as an opportunity to relate it to your own experience with a relevant example to evidence your understanding. Those kinds of follow-ups show you’re actively listening. 

Practice makes perfect 

If this style of conversation doesn’t come naturally or if you’re feeling a bit nervous, practice by rehearsing some go-to questions beforehand. Remember, you’re in control of the dialogue, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions either throughout or at the end of your interview.  

Final Thought 

Asking meaningful questions won’t just help you gather information, it will help you stand out. It shows you’re not just hunting for any old job; you’re looking for the right one. And that kind of intention leaves a lasting impression. 

So next time you prepare for an interview, don’t just rehearse your answers. Think deeply about your questions. Because in a sea of candidates, the ones who connect are the ones who are remembered.