7 Tips to stand out in a job interview

Relaxing might be the last thing you’re doing when interviewers are firing questions at you across a conference room table.

But while you’re dripping sweat, remember this: They’re trying to get to know the person behind the resume. And you’re learning whether this job is the right fit.

San Jacinto College career and transfer advisor Denise Vasquez shares seven ways to ace your job interview and stand out from other applicants — no sweat!

1. How should I research a company?

A: Although the “About Us” webpage is a good start, do a deep dive on the company’s mission and values. Don’t just regurgitate this during the interview. Instead, align what you read to your own skills and mindset. Understand their product or services. Read their Google reviews. Look through their job platform and see if they offer leadership roles. Tie this to where you see yourself in five years.

Other valuable resources: LinkedIn allows you to research similar roles and the interviewers, while Glassdoor can provide insight into company culture, the interviewing process, and even common interview questions.

2. How can I turn limited work experience into strong talking points?

A: Focus on transferable skills. Every experience outside the traditional work experience allows you to develop skills. Consider your involvement, extracurricular activities, etc., to determine what skills you used and how you can include them.

After identifying your skills, prepare compelling stories using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Don’t just list what you did — highlight what you learned and how you can apply it to the new role.

3. What’s your advice on using LinkedIn or a personal portfolio?

A: LinkedIn is practically an online resume and a popular place for recruiters looking for qualified candidates. It’s important to optimize your profile with a professional photo, not a selfie. The details you provide in the experience section should expand on your resume bullet points, not match exactly. Be an active and engaged member too! LinkedIn networking could lead to a good job opportunity.

When building a personal portfolio, remember quality over quantity. The projects you present should relate to the job and include details about the impact. Also, practice your portfolio so you’re ready to present it. 

4.  What’s a surprising way to stand out during the interview?

A: Interviewers often ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” This is the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge of the company. Questions like “What challenges is the company facing, and how can my new role here help alleviate them?” or “I see you’ve completed [project name]. What other successes can I see being accomplished here in the future?” show your deep interest and desire to build a long career with them.

5. How can I answer questions about weaknesses?

A: It’s normal to be afraid of saying something you shouldn’t. You don’t want to say, “I struggle with time management,” when you’re interviewing for a role that values this skill. When choosing a weakness, choose one that isn’t crucial for the job.

Employers want to know how self-aware you are and gauge your accountability and growth. I tell students the details after the “but” are most important: “I have this weakness, but this is how I’m overcoming it.”

6. What should I do after the interview?

A: You can make a big impact with a thank-you email. If you jotted notes during the interview, include some of the conversation points. Even better, identify a current challenge the company faces and use your email to introduce a possible solution. One thank-you email can demonstrate critical thinking, initiative, and interest. The employer could even call you in for a second interview to learn more about your solutions.

7. Any final advice?

A: Always welcome constructive feedback. Continue self-assessment, even after landing the job. Have conversations with leaders about your current work and how you can improve. If more opportunities come up, you might be the first person leadership thinks to promote.

job prep 101

If you’ve ever searched for a job before, you know it's not easy. And if you haven’t, you’ll want all the help you can get. The career services team can connect you to job opportunities, help you polish your resume, and prep you for that big interview. Get started today!

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.