When interviewing for a job, it’s easy to let your nerves get in the way of showcasing who you truly are. Even if you know you are well-qualified for the position you’re applying for, you might be constantly worrying about what the right thing to say and to do is. In my experience, I’ve found instead of getting worked up over whether the interviewer will like you, the best thing you can do is to be yourself -- the rest will follow suit. If you are a standout candidate on your resume, but you are looking for something to make yourself stand out during your interview, read on for my 3 secrets to leaving a lasting impression at an interview!

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1. CONNECT WITH YOUR INTERVIEWER

The first thing that should be on the back of your mind while interviewing for a job is your ability to connect with your interviewer. If the company you are applying for is interviewing other candidates -- whether it be 5, 15 or even 50, you have to create a connection that no one else in the applicant pool will have.

For instance, in a past interview of mine, I walked in thinking that I had nothing in common with my interviewer. Within the first 5 minutes of the conversation, I was able to make a connection that we were from the same place in the country and that we both moved to Florida for the same reasons. And in a different interview, I was able to make a connection with my future boss by finding out that we lived in the same neighborhood.

A unique connection is ESSENTIAL for getting someone to remember this and this trick is transferable to pretty much any networking activity. In a world full of different people, it’s actually way easier than you think to find a similarity between you and the person you’re networking with -- whether that person is your professor, your future boss, or a potential client. And once you establish something that you have in common, whether it be the same hometown or the same hobby, a person will immediately get a sense that they “know” you, allowing them to open up more to what you’re saying and remember you at the end of a full day of interviews.

2. CURATE YOUR INTERVIEW OUTFIT

You may be wondering if this second tip is really important, but I am serious when I say that it is! Of course, everyone knows that it’s imperative to dress appropriately for the job you’re applying for and in most cases, that means business professional. And so, what does this mean? Everyone wears the same thing: a black or blue suit. However, I IMPLORE you to curate a look that says: “I am a professional, but I am also here to impress.” What this means is that you should always attempt to wear something ‘different’ or put together an outfit that matches well and has a pop of color.

An example of this would be to stick with the basics of a professional-looking black, blue, or gray blazer and pants/skirt combo, but be strategic about your shirt and accessories. You can do this by wearing the same color shirt as your purse or simply by wearing a colorful blouse. Some other ideas are statement earrings or a patterned scarf.

Although the only way to land the job is by impressing the interviewer with your knowledge and experience, every aspect is important in leaving a lasting impression. And while your interviewer shouldn’t be judging you based on your looks, everyone notices appearances, and your outfit is perfectly curated, you will look put-together and that can lead to an overall better impression.

3. ADJUST TO YOUR INTERVIEWER

This last tip is important if you find that you and your interviewer are nothing alike. Almost everyone has been in a situation where they are interviewing for a job, networking, or talking to a potential client, and it feels like you and the other person are so different, there is no way that the conversation is going to go well! You might be a super bubbly, loud, and outgoing person, and you may be interviewing with someone quite reserved and quiet. I am not saying to change who you are, but during an interviewer it is SO important to read the room and adjust accordingly.

I learned this trick in being a Resident Assistant at my college and it works wonders! I would have to talk with about 30 college students who came from all different backgrounds, were different ages, and had different personalities. As an RA, it is difficult to get people to open up to you, but by adjusting to who I was speaking to, I was always able to get my residents to engage in conversation with me. I am a super outgoing and passionate person and that shines through when talking to others, but when I know when to tone it done to a lower level so that I don’t make the person I am talking to uncomfortable. And you should do the same in an interview. If you are talking to someone who is excited and passionate, be excited, because this person mostly likely wants to hire someone who is as excited as them to be working at that company. But if you are speaking to someone reserved, make sure not to overwhelm your interviewer!

There you have it! All three of these interview tips and tricks are things that I do when interviewing, networking, and just in building relationships with other people. I hope you found them helpful and that you will use them to your advantage next time you are interviewing for a job!