3 Tips For Making Sure Your Job Interview Is Memorable — in a Good Way

By Kate Emswiler

Updated on 3/29/2017 at 7:05 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

As a job seeker, it feels like so many things are outside of your control, as you rely on other people to make decisions about you and your future. However, at the interview stage, you can reclaim some of your own power by presenting yourself in the best possible light.

According to Amanda Augustine, career advice expert for TopResume, here are three things you can do to make sure your interview is memorable for all the right reasons:

  1. Ask for the job! According to a survey by Come Recommended, the most common mistake job seekers make during an interview is failing to ask for the job. Many candidates are so nervous about the interview process that they fail to convey their genuine interest in the role. Be conscious of the signals your body language is sending to the employer. It's harder to ghost the candidate who expressed a genuine interest in the role and a real passion for the industry or company.
  2. Understand their time frame. Make sure you ask the interviewer about their time frame for making a decision. This will help you gauge when to follow up after your initial thank-you message and also help you determine if you're being ghosted — or if you simply should expect a long hiring process. Also, be sure to find out the best way to follow up with your main contact at the company (by phone? via email?) so you're using the right channels for, hopefully, speedier communication.
  3. Follow up after every interview. A survey by Ladders found more than 75 percent of interviewers say receiving a thank-you note impacts their decision-making process. A carefully crafted thank-you message creates an opportunity to reconnect with your interviewers and keep your candidacy top of mind.