In today’s highly-competitive job market, where every open position might attract dozens of qualified candidates, standing out in an interview is more crucial than ever. At STS Technical Services, we’ve turned to our top staffing professionals, people who have collectively helped thousands navigate this daunting landscape, to bring you their insider tips on making a lasting impression. Here’s what they recommend, complete with practical advice and a bit of Recruiter wisdom.
Meet Our Panel of Expert Recruiters
- Jannely Castro: One of our top-performing Recruiters who specializes in placing Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Aerospace Engineers across the United States.
- TJ Scott: Vice President of Operations for STS Technical Services with more than three decades of staffing experience.
- Jeremy Baber: A staffing guru with more than 15 years of experience placing Aircraft Maintenance Technicians into direct hire roles.
- Terri Ruby: Lead Technical Recruiter with extensive experience across the aerospace, manufacturing, industrial and defense industries.
- Trisha Washburn: A service-oriented Senior Technical Recruiting Professional capable of managing full-cycle recruitment strategies.
- Anthony Mengarelli: Has conducted hundreds of job interview for STS Technical Services during his nine-year tenure thus far.
1. Prepare Like a Pro (Jannely Castro, TJ Scott)
Jannely:
“To excel in your next job interview, start by thoroughly researching the company to understand their history, values, and recent achievements. This will allow you to align your answers with their culture and goals. Next, carefully study the job description to identify the key skills and experiences they are looking for, and prepare to highlight how you meet these requirements. Practice responding to common interview questions, focusing on sharing your successes and enthusiasm for the job while emphasizing how you can contribute to the company. Lastly, prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your genuine interest and engagement in the role and the organization.”
TJ:
“To optimize your chances of securing a job, start by thoroughly researching the company’s website to understand their business, clientele, and corporate culture—essential knowledge for any interaction with a potential employer. Delve into the backgrounds of key company personnel on LinkedIn to better understand the leadership you might be working with. Ensure your resume is up-to-date with precise information and detailed job descriptions, and prepare to present letters of recommendation or professional references during your interview. It’s also crucial to prepare thoughtful, strategic questions about the company and the position, such as inquiries about growth potential or benefits, rather than basic logistical questions. For in-person interviews, dress professionally and plan to arrive 15 minutes early; being “on time” is effectively late. If you’re unfamiliar with the interview location, consider a trial run to find the facility ahead of time. Bring a copy of your resume and any relevant training records, even if you’ve previously submitted them. If you’re scheduled for a phone interview, find a quiet location with a reliable phone signal and be in place 10 minutes early. Keep a copy of your resume on hand to refer to quickly if asked about your past experiences. Most importantly, always remember that you are seeking to join their team. Treat every interaction with potential employers—from initial contact through post-interview follow-up—with courtesy, professionalism, and friendliness, as if everyone you meet could decide your hiring fate.”
2. Showcase Soft Skills (Jeremy Baber)
“During a job interview, showcasing your soft skills is just as crucial as demonstrating technical abilities or specific job competencies. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, are essential because they influence how effectively you can work within a team and adapt to the ever-changing demands of a professional environment. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who not only have the necessary technical skills but also the interpersonal skills to successfully interact with colleagues and clients. Demonstrating strong soft skills during an interview, therefore, can significantly distinguish you from other candidates who may only focus on their technical qualifications. Furthermore, soft skills are often harder to teach than technical skills, which makes them particularly valuable. When candidates effectively display qualities like empathy, leadership, and creativity, they signal to potential employers that they are capable of leading initiatives, driving change, and contributing positively to the company culture. During the interview, it’s important to share examples and stories that highlight these skills in action. Discussing situations where your emotional intelligence guided a team project to success or how your adaptability allowed you to overcome unexpected challenges shows employers that you bring a well-rounded portfolio of skills to the table. Ultimately, these soft skills complement your technical abilities and can make you a more appealing and complete candidate.”
3. Strategize Your First Impression (Terri Ruby)
“During an interview, maintaining a firm handshake and clear eye contact demonstrates confidence and engagement with the potential employer. It’s important to research the company thoroughly, including their past achievements, to show your genuine interest in where you might be working. Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to the questions asked to convey your attentiveness and understanding. Exhibit confidence in your abilities while remaining humble about the assets you bring to the table. Additionally, express your willingness to work both independently and as part of a team, highlighting your versatility.”
4. Focus on Past Achievements (Trisha Washburn)
“When discussing your work history during an interview, it’s crucial to quantify your contributions with clear, specific metrics. This approach allows interviewers like us to clearly understand the impact of your actions within your previous roles. For instance, if you’ve been involved in a continuous improvement project, don’t just tell us what you did—show us how you did it. We want to hear about your method for conducting root cause analysis, the key findings you uncovered, the corrective actions you implemented and, most importantly, the outcomes of these actions in terms of cost savings, time efficiency, and production improvements. Incorporating metrics into your examples not only demonstrates your ability to positively influence operations but also highlights your analytical and problem-solving skills. These details are valuable and should also be prominently featured on your resume. Being specific and honest about your achievements sets a strong foundation for credibility and shows that you are results-oriented. In conclusion, remember that providing specific examples with quantifiable results in both your interview and on your resume is essential. It not only showcases your skills and accomplishments in a tangible way but also paints a vivid picture of your potential contributions to our team. Through this detailed and transparent sharing of your professional journey, you create a compelling narrative that can significantly elevate your candidacy.”
5. Cultural Fit Matters (Anthony Mengarelli)
“Every company has a unique culture just as every candidate has a unique personality. A cultural synergy must exist between client and candidate. Obviously the company needs to see that the experience level is in alignment with their needs, but the human element is also plays a huge role. Cultural fit fosters a positive work environment, enhances team cohesion, and promotes collaboration. Candidates who fit well culturally are more likely to thrive, contribute positively and integrate seamlessly into the team, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction and retention. My advice on being able to showcase that you are going to be a good cultural fit? Be Authentic. Avoid trying to mold yourself into what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Instead, focus on highlighting your true self and how it aligns with the company’s culture. Also, research the company culture!”
Conclusion: Think Beyond the Interview
As our expert staffing professionals suggest, acing an interview in today’s competitive job market requires more than textbook answers. It’s about weaving your technical skills, soft skills, and personality into a narrative that resonates with the interviewer and meets the company’s needs.
Each interview is a unique story you tell, where you are both the protagonist and the narrator. Make it compelling, make it genuine, and above all, make it memorable.
Remember, the goal is not just to get the job but to pave the way for a successful career by starting on the right foot. With these tips from seasoned staffing professionals, you’re well on your way to not just landing an interview, but excelling in it. So go out there, tell your story, and turn that opportunity into an offer!
