In a competitive job market, standing out amongst other candidates does not come down to luck. Whilst a well-crafted resume can land you an interview, the interview itself is where you have the opportunity to truly make an impression.
Hiring managers who are interviewing several people every week become increasingly attuned to what separates top candidates from the rest – and ensuring you are well prepared can easily put you at the top of their list. A common mistake is to rely solely on your resume to speak for you. The reality is that an interviewer wants to meet the person behind the achievements. Your role in the interview is to bring your accomplishments to life and demonstrate your skills and suitability for the role.
Corine Duke, Reo Group’s Business Lead of Supply Chain & Operations recruitment, shared her advice on how to stand out at the top of the candidate pile: “You need to be in a positive headspace, because your energy is contagious in an interview. Be the person that you would want to hire if you were the manager. Your resume, preparation, and research are important, but it is paramount to be switched on, positive, and in a good mindset on the day.”
A 2024 survey by ResumeGenius shared by Harvard Business Review asked hiring managers what makes a good candidate, and what doesn’t. They pulled out 4 points that stand out as the biggest red flags that hiring managers pick up on during the interview process.
1. Dishonesty
63% of hiring managers listed this as their biggest red flag. Inconsistencies will quickly raise alarm bells during an interview – whether it is from an inflated job title on your resume, or a mismatch between your interview responses and your online persona on platforms like LinkedIn. Dishonesty will erode trust. In an interview it is important to always present yourself authentically.
2. Rude Language or Behaviour
53% of hiring managers rated this as a red flag in potential hires. An interview is usually your first interaction with your potential employer, and they have very limited information as to who you are as a person. As a result, they will pay close attention to your behaviour from the beginning. A study by Leadership IQ found that 89% of new hire failures are as a result of poor attitudes or interpersonal skills, not technical competence. Focusing on the right mindset leading up to the interview and reducing stress around you can help you avoid this dangerous territory.
3. Criticising Past Employers or Coworkers
It is common for an interviewer to enquire as to why you have left or are thinking of leaving your previous role. It is an opportunity to share your experience and career aspirations, however it can also be a pitfall if you let frustration or resentment guide your response. 31% of hiring managers cited badmouthing past employers or coworkers as a red flag, as they are looking to determine whether you can handle challenges professionally and move forward with a positive attitude.
Corine Duke shares, “Make sure your frustrations about your current or past role don’t show through. It is very understandable to be frustrated, and you always leave a role for a reason. However, when you interview, you cannot let those negative feelings impact you. Acknowledge facts but remove emotional angles. Honesty is important, but it involves tact. Look at the situations objectively because your mood will come through in your energy and how you talk. Share what you learned and what you took away from the experience and put a positive spin on it.”
4. Lack of PreparationWhen it comes to interviews, preparation and readiness is a direct reflection of your professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect for the opportunity. 20% of hiring managers consider a lack of professionalism to be a red flag in a candidate. Preparation for an interview is often viewed as a measure of how you will approach your work if hired. Therefore, if you’re viewed to be not willing to put in the effort to prepare for a conversation about your future, they may be concerned that you won’t bring dedication or initiative to your role. Take time to research the company, prepare your responses, and have some questions for the interviewer ready to ask at the end.
To leave a lasting impression during the interview process, you can give yourself a competitive advantage by focusing on the pitfalls and red flags and learning how to avoid them. Ultimately, standing out is about showcasing that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely invested in the company’s success. By balancing honesty, politeness, authenticity, and preparation, you can set yourself apart from the competition and put your best foot forward.