In this day and age, when it comes to finding a good job, everyone is looking for a way to stand out amongst the rest. As hiring managers line up potential candidates for an interview, there may not be a whole lot of difference between the experience and skills listed on each resume.

While your resume may have opened the door for you, it is up to you to seal the deal. There are a few subtle things you can do to ensure you not only get remembered, but also walk out of the interview leaving a lasting impression. Below are 5 subtle ways to gain the upper hand in an interview.

Make A Good First Impression

This may seem like a no brainer, but as someone that spends a good part of my day interviewing candidates, you would be surprised how many people don’t take this into consideration when they are preparing for an interview. As humans, we are naturally designed to start making snap judgements about someone within the first 10-15 seconds of meeting. If someone comes into an interview looking unkept, ill prepared, distracted, staring at their phones or scared it sends a message that they are either unqualified or uninterested in the position.

Keep in mind that the interview is where the manager gets to see how you will be in your day to day job should you be chosen for the position. If you’re late, unorganized, disrespectful, etc. they will assume you will be the same way in your job. One of the main ways to gain the upper hand in an interview is to separate yourself with a strong first impression. It doesn’t matter if you are interviewing for an office job or fast food, if you walk in on time, dressed professionally, prepared and confident you are sure to be remembered as a top tier candidate.

Read the Room

No interview will be the same, because each hiring manager is different. One way you can gain the upper hand in an interview is to read the room. Greet your interviewer by name and then listen before speaking. Do your best to determine what kind of personality the hiring manager has so you are able to respond with the same energy. Is the hiring manager quiet, serious and to the point? Or are they more relaxed and personable? Understanding the energy your hiring manager is giving off will help you give an appropriate response.

For example, if the hiring manager is more on the serious side, then cracking a joke may not be the best route. However, if the hiring manager is more relaxed, a joke may be the best way to break the ice.

Listen and Repeat

Another way to gain the upper hand in an interview is to limit your speech and repeat back what is being said to let the hiring manager know you understand. This doesn’t have to be robotic, it’s simply a tactic used in conversations to ensure what is being said is fully understood. Try not to nervously ramble when asked a question or divulge too much information. Simply answer the question to the best of your ability.

After the hiring manager explains something to you (maybe salary, expectations, etc.) that you may not fully understand or need more clarification on, simply say “ok, so what you are saying is….. (paraphrase what they said) so my question is…..” This will ensue everyone is on the same page and allow the hiring manager to give more information or clear up any misunderstandings before moving forward.

Use Nonverbal Queues

Nonverbal queues are ways to respond to someone without using words. For example, someone that has their arms crossed and looking at the floor is giving off nonverbal queues that they are closed off, non-approachable and want to be left alone. Nonverbal queues are used everywhere, including interviews. Knowing how to read and use them will help you interact with the hiring manager without saying a word. Nonverbal queues that will benefit you in an interview is to mirror body language, nod your head in agreement as they speak and smile. These nonverbal actions will let the hiring manager know you are engaged in the conversation and will help them to be more comfortable during your interaction.

Be Respectful

Using respectful terms like “Ma’am, Sir, please, thank you” will definitely gain you the upper hand in an interview. It seems simple, but many potential candidates overlook this subtlety. Even if your hiring manager says “oh you don’t have to call me that”, they will definitely take a mental note and remember how polite and courteous you were when you leave. Being well mannered and respectful during an interview will elevate you to a higher level on the consideration list, especially if there have been others that have come in without a respectful level of speech.

There are a lot of ways to make an impression during an interview. These subtle actions will help you to gain the upper hand against other potential candidates during the interview process. Remember, you have already impressed them enough to get the interview. Now all you have to do is bring it home by confidently showing them who you are and how much you want the job.

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