The Top 10 Things the Best Applicants Did During Interviews

As a corporate recruiter, I've interviewed with thousands of candidates, and some always stood out in interviews.

If you're job hunting, the ten tips I'm about to share can really boost your chances and help you score more interviews.

Here Are The Top 10 Things That The Best Applicants Did While Interviewing With Me:??

1. They Talked About Their Experience in an Easy-To-Follow Way

They communicated really clearly and effectively, using storytelling and sharing specific examples. This got me curious to learn more about them.

Example:

" Let me share an example of a project I led that aligns closely with the challenges you mentioned in the job description. We faced tight deadlines and conflicting stakeholder expectations, but by implementing regular status update meetings and utilising a project management tool XYZ for transparency, we not only met our targets 20% ahead of schedule but also increased team collaboration, resulting in a 30% boost in overall productivity and a 15% improvement in client satisfaction ratings."

2. They Qualified My Questions with Their Own

They didn’t just wait until the end of the interview when I asked if they had any questions. They smoothly asked questions throughout, related to our conversation—like specific projects and current team challenges. It really showed their engagement and deeper understanding. Their curiosity and interest made it clear they were actually listening instead of just waiting to throw out a list of robotic, cliché questions at the end.

Example:

"I noticed you mentioned the team is currently tackling some challenges with project deadlines. Can you share how you're approaching these issues and if there are specific strategies you're considering to ensure the team stays on track?"

3. They Mentioned Company Values or Recent News

They talked about some recent news they found on the company’s social media or website about the company, product, project, or service, and brought it up as a relevant point during the interview. This showed they were interested and aware.

Example:

"I was particularly drawn to your company's commitment to social responsibility. I recently read about the volunteer program you launched last month. How does the company encourage employees to participate, and what impact has it had on both the community and the workplace?"

4. They Asked About Me (we all have a bit of ego, it’s okay)

They researched me on LinkedIn or other platforms. They asked about my career journey or how I see the role evolving within the company.

Example:

"I saw on your LinkedIn that you moved from talent sourcing to global talent acquisition management. Can you tell me a bit about that journey and how it has shaped your view of success at the company?"

5. They Brought Attention to Key Job Description Parts

They pointed out 2-3 key points from the job description during the interview and elaborated on their related experience, skills, and achievements to those specific points.

Example:

"One of the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description is project management. In my previous role as a Project Manager at XYZ, I led a cross-functional team on a project with a budget of ￡500,000. We increased efficiency by 30% by implementing a new project management software XYZ, which allowed us to complete the project 15% under budget and 2 weeks ahead of schedule. This experience directly aligns with the needs of this position, where effective project management is crucial."

6. They Showed That They Had Interests Outside of Work (They weren’t one-dimensional)

They were ready to discuss one or two hobbies or interests outside of work that showcased their multifaceted personality.

(Yes, it was important for me to get a sense of what they enjoy doing outside of work to get a glimpse into their personality).

Example:

"In my free time, I’m passionate about hiking and actively participate in volunteer projects focused on environmental conservation. I believe that maintaining a work-life balance and pursuing our interests outside of work can significantly enhance our performance and creativity in the workplace."

7. They Were Polite - (i.e. They were never late and said please and thank you etc.)

They showed up on time, dressed in line with the company vibe, and kept a polite and professional attitude during the interview.

Example:

"Thank you for the chance to interview with your team. I really appreciate your time and the insights you shared. If you need any more information from me, just let me know."

8. They Balanced Confidence and Humility

They found a great balance between confidence and humility. They knew what they could bring to the role and the company while also embodying a growth mindset by being open to learning and growing within the position.

Example:

"While I'm proud of the results we achieved, I'm also aware of the areas where I can continue to grow. One of the reasons I'm excited about this opportunity is the chance to work in a team where I can learn from others and contribute to collective success."

9. They Knew Their Worth

They weren’t afraid to hold firm on their salary expectations and negotiate. They researched salary ranges for the role and their level of experience to have a clear idea of what they should expect.

Example:

“Based on my research and experience, I believe a fair salary range for this position is between ￡70,000 and ￡80,000. I am confident that my skills and background align well with the needs and goals of your team.”

10. They Closed The Interview Strongly

They closed their interview by clarifying the next steps in the process, and the timeline for a decision. They ended by asking if there's anything they can clarify about their skills or experience, showing they're open to feedback and eager to meet the company needs.

Example:

"Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my experience. I really think my skills and expertise align well with the team's goals, and I'm excited about the chance to contribute to XYZ company. I appreciate your transparency about the interview process and what to expect next, and I look forward to hearing back by the end of next week. Is there anything about my skills or experience that you'd like me to clarify to help with your decision?"

Reminder: Interviewing goes both ways. It’s not just about convincing the recruiter that you’re the right fit; it’s also about making sure the company is a good match for you.

If you put these strategies into practice, you’ll probably see recruiters pushing you for more interviews and, ultimately helping you land the job you’ve been eyeing. - Good luck! ??

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