How to Stand out in Interviews?

Lately, I have been interviewing actively and spending so much time doing interviews. I believe interviewing is a skill that needs to be learned, and practiced and it gets improved over time. Even now, whenever I get an interview at XYZ company, I can't help but feel excited. I found myself getting carried away imagining what it would be like to work at XYZ. I’m sure that we all do this at some stage!

With that being said, I failed a lot of interviews and also managed to get several interviews from startups to big tech. The interview process is never fun but it’s a real opportunity to stand out. So, your next question is probably, “Well, then how do I stand out?”

Practice, Practice, Practice

The first impression matters a lot. I always make sure to prepare myself thoroughly. While I was interviewing two years ago, I even used to make a Google document of the most asked questions, and what I am going to answer. It helped me feel ready and confident. Looking presentable, feeling comfortable, and speaking well are key for me. I've learned the hard way that lack of preparation can cost me opportunities. There were times when I struggled to answer simple questions because I didn't prepare enough, and I ended up not getting those roles. It's definitely a lesson I won't forget!

Do Your Research

When getting ready for an interview, I believe in diving deep into research about the company, what they do, their culture, and the role I'm applying for. I like to understand the job description and make a list of any questions I have for the interviewer. I make sure to showcase my strengths and experiences, even if they're not a perfect match for the job. For instance, if I'm applying for an international role, I highlight how my past experiences have shown my ability to work well with diverse teams and technology.

Reverse Interviewing Your Future Team

In interviews, it's normal to play it safe with questions. But have you ever felt like you didn't ask everything you wanted to? I know I have. That's why I love Reverse Interviewing. It's like having a conversation where you can find out everything you need to know to make the right decision for you. So next time, don't hold back—ask those questions that matter to you. It shows you're interested and helps you make sure it's the right fit for you. Some of the questions on my list that I recently asked my employer included:

• What does the day-to-day responsibilities look like for this role?

• Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?

• What is the biggest struggle you are currently facing at XYZ company and why?

• What advice would you give to be successful in this role?

• Is the company profitable? If not, what is your planned timeline for becoming profitable?

• I noticed there were some people let go from the company in 2023. Can you explain why those layoffs occurred? (my most asked question in my current interviews)