Stand Out in a Job Interview: Clever Strategies to Make a Lasting Impression

When it comes to nailing a job interview, preparation and professionalism are key. But what happens when every candidate has prepared, dressed the part, and rehearsed their stories of teamwork and grit? Sometimes, standing out requires something a bit unconventional. Here are some clever, memorable ways to capture an interviewer’s attention without stepping out of the bounds of professionalism.

Bring a Project or Portfolio Unique to the Role

Whether you’re applying for a design position or a role in finance, a custom project shows that you’ve already put thought and effort into the position. For example, a marketing candidate could bring in a small pitch deck with tailored campaign ideas, while a data analyst could showcase a quick case study or sample analysis relevant to the company’s industry.

If you’re worried about overwhelming the interviewer, summarize the project in one or two sentences and offer to discuss it in more detail if they’re interested. This strategy not only demonstrates initiative but also lets your work speak directly to what you’ll bring to the role.

Mention Industry-Specific Knowledge or Insights

Everyone is likely to mention they’ve “researched the company,” but few candidates go beyond a general level of knowledge. To stand out, dig deep into industry trends and apply your research to the company’s current situation. For example, if you’re interviewing at a tech startup, knowing about recent funding rounds, competitors, or trending technologies can make your interest stand out as sincere and well-prepared.

Send a Post-Interview Recap Video or Presentation

Most candidates will send a follow-up thank-you email, but imagine the impact of a brief, polished video recap. In a quick 30-second video, thank the interviewer, reiterate why you’re excited about the position, and mention one or two points from the interview that resonated with you. A video gives a personal touch, and will make you far more memorable.

Admittedly, this one is a bit wild, so if a video isn’t your style, consider creating a well-designed slide or infographic that highlights the value you’ll bring to the role. It should be concise but visually engaging, and remember—use quantifiable examples whenever possible.

Turn the Interview into a Dialogue

In many cases, candidates might feel like they’re being interrogated. Consider shaping the conversation by asking engaging, thought-provoking questions. For example, when asked a question about teamwork, you might give your response and follow up with, “How does your team here handle challenges like that?” This not only shows your curiosity but also sets a comfortable conversational tone.

Share a Story that Highlights Your Passions

Adding a personal story that ties into your professional skills is a powerful way to create a connection. Perhaps a volunteer experience that helped you become better at problem-solving, or a specific role led you to discover a passion for leadership. Telling a personal story that’s relevant to the role will demonstrate to the interviewer that you’re more than just a skillset.

Mention a Unique Soft Skill

It’s common for candidates to describe themselves as “hard-working” or “detail-oriented,” but these phrases are easy to gloss over. Try mentioning a unique soft skill like “empathy” or “storytelling” and explain how it contributes to the work environment. For example, if you’re applying for a leadership position, talking about empathy as a skill that helps you connect with and motivate others can leave a lasting impression.

Using the above example about empathy in a leadership role, the candidate might say something along the lines of “I believe empathy is essential in leadership. In my previous role, this skill helped me guide a team through a tough transition, ensuring that every team member felt heard and motivated.”

Bring Up Your Adaptability to Remote or Hybrid Work

As remote work becomes the norm for many industries, showcasing your ability to thrive in this environment is an attractive quality. Share specific examples of how you’ve adapted to remote work challenges, whether it’s mastering virtual collaboration tools, creating structured workdays, or helping teammates stay connected.

If you decide to go this route, try saying something like this: “Working remotely, I’ve learned to set clear boundaries and prioritize communication. This has helped me stay productive and maintain strong relationships with remote teams. I’m confident I could bring this structured approach to any work environment.”

Mention a Book, Podcast, or Article That Inspires You

If a book or article has influenced your professional development, mentioning it during your interview can demonstrate both your interest in continuous learning and a dedication to self-improvement. A marketer might reference a favorite podcast on brand strategy, while a software developer could discuss an article on the future of AI. By linking your interests to your career, you subtly show that you can stay informed and are driven to grow.

Talk About Future Goals

Companies love forward-thinking candidates. After talking about your background, describe your professional goals and relate them to the company’s mission. Whether your aim is to take on more leadership, advance your technical skills, or help the company reach new markets, aligning your career aspirations with the company’s values shows you’re serious about long-term contributions.

Let’s say you’re a project manager and you’re interviewing for a role at a new company that places emphasis on supporting its local community. Here, you could say something like, “In the next few years, I’d love to expand my project management skills, especially at an organization with a strong community focus like yours.”

Standing out in a job interview doesn’t require grand gestures or an over-the-top performance. Subtle strategies that convey your unique qualities, skills, and enthusiasm for the role can often make the strongest impression. The key here is authenticity—each strategy should feel natural and relevant to your experiences.