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It’s exciting to make it past the resume and job application phase. However, being invited to a job interview can feel exhilarating and it can also feel nerve-wracking. Now that you have passed the initial stage, it’s time to make the best first impression to take the next step. 

Additionally, you can shift your perspective: during the beginning of the job application phase, you are just the words on your resume and cover letter. Being invited to an interview is an opportunity to get to know you, your personality, and how your experience relates to the company. 

How can you make a lasting impression on the interviewer? Without a doubt, researching and preparing for the interview is essential to get over your nerves and make a good impression. 

Follow these job interview tips to stand out from the crowd:  

1. Research the company beforehand. The start of your interview preparation should be company research! Particularly, look at company values, their LinkedIn page, and the About page on their website. In fact, this research will help you connect your answers to the company’s values and mission. 

2. Show you have the skills the company is looking for in that role. It’s easy to tell the interviewer you are “deadline-oriented” or a “team player.” For instance, for every skill in the job listing, come up with relevant experiences that show you have those skills. 
    

• What is the company looking for? 
   
• How does your experience line up with the job listing? 
   
• What relevant results have you gotten before? Prepare numbers or percentages that demonstrate your accomplishments. 
   
• Think about specific experiences that show you have certain qualities or skills. 
   

3. Prepare an answer for “Tell me about yourself.” This open-ended question interviewers ask gives them insight into who you are behind your resume, cover letter, and job conversation. Alternatively, it’s a way for interviewers to start the conversation and get to know and understand you. Here are some ideas: 
    

• Give a brief overview of your education, most recent jobs, and insight into short and long-term career goals. 
   
• Tell a professional story. For example, what inspired you to pursue the field? Why are you passionate about your work? 
   
• Show your personality and interests (and make them relevant to the company and profession). 
   

4. Practice for the interview beforehand. Practicing answers will help you prepare answers for the questions during the interview. 
    

• Think about why you are interested in that specific role and company. Including, how you can play a role in the company pe
   
• Prepare to talk about the connection between your experience and the current position you’re applying for. 
   
• Practice body language and make eye contact. 
   
• Consider recording a mock interview and reviewing your answers and body language. 

5. Prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview. At the end of the job interview, your interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions. To emphasize, asking questions allows you to learn about the company and show your interest. 
    

• What does a typical day look like?  
   
• How is performance measured and reviewed? 
   
• Why did you choose to work with this company?  
   
• What professional development opportunities are available to new employees? 
   

• What are your goals for the first six months of this position? 
   
• Which of the experiences we discussed today is most relevant to this position? 

To sum up, walk into the interview calm, confident, and engaged. During your interview, engage with the interviewer! Do not just answer their questions. Have a conversation with the interviewer as well. 

In short, being engaged and confident will help you build a relationship with the interviewer and make a lasting impression. In truth, preparing for your job interview might feel like a lot is on the line. However, it is an opportunity to build a relationship with the interviewer and show how you would fit in with the company culture.