A favourite question in job interviews is: "What makes you stand out from the other candidates?" Lyndy van den Barselaar, MD of recruitment and consulting firm ManpowerGroup South Africa, says job seekers should work on a killer answer to that tricky question. "Job seekers are constantly looking for new ways to make a lasting, positive impression on their interviewers and set themselves apart from other candidates." She has this advice: • Don't be arrogant. Instead of singing your own praises, explain how your skills would work well in a team; • Turn the question around and talk about what you like about the organisation and how your abilities are synergistic; • Move away from your list of accomplishments and towards your personal story; and • Don't be afraid to show how much you want the job. Your enthusiasm will set you apart. "Perhaps the organisation has a message or cause that aligns with your beliefs, or a corporate culture you'd like to be a part of. All of these are reasons,...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.