How to give the right information at a job interview

Talking about yourself during a job interview can feel a little awkward: You want to present yourself in the best light to stand out from other applicants, but you also don't want to overdo it and sound arrogant. So how do you manage the balancing act between self-confidence and arrogance?

If there was ever a time to praise yourself, it's at a job interview. Recruiters want to talk to people who are genuinely eager and confident.

If you really identify with the job, you should be able to display a healthy level of enthusiasm, as opposed to "I'm the best person for this job and you should hire me because I'm great." When applicants lack enthusiasm - a truly defined reason - they are often brushed aside.

Advocating for yourself in a job interview definitely takes practice and comes easier to some people than others. But there are some tips that can help you harness this skill.

Create a bragging list

If you are cornered in a job interview, it can be easy to forget all your arguments. Before the interview, write down how you meet the criteria in the job advertisement (with examples if possible). Pay particular attention to the "Preferred qualities" section, where you can highlight certain qualities to set yourself apart from the competition. Then think about how your previous experience can be transferred to the position you are applying for.

Let's say someone wants to get into cybersecurity at a large retail company and happens to have an extensive background in retail - perhaps even asset protection - that is very relevant and has many transferable skills.

By creating a cheat sheet like this, you'll have an overview of the key points you can emphasize during your interview. And by visualizing the ways in which you meet the requirements of the job, you can assuage any feelings of impostor syndrome or self-doubt.

Use key figures to illustrate your influence

We recommend incorporating metrics into your interview answers whenever possible to provide tangible, measurable evidence of your contribution. Let the data speak for itself - numbers don't lie. Including metrics in your answers shows that you are results-oriented and have the company's goals in mind. It also provides context so your interviewer can better understand the scope of your accomplishments and your impact.

The type of metrics you cite will depend on your area of expertise or previous experience. For example, have you ever completed a project before the deadline? If you've developed an app, how many people are currently using it? How have certain features you've worked on increased engagement with the product? If you are applying for a leadership position, how many team members have you managed during a project?

Determine your personal path

As a self-taught programmer, you may worry that you won't be able to keep up with other applicants with traditional degrees - but that's not the case. People with non-traditional backgrounds offer fresh and valuable perspectives, and learning to code yourself shows initiative and commitment (especially if you have other work to do at the same time).

Find out about your potential team's background by looking at their LinkedIn profiles or bios to allay any fears about your own background and give you the opportunity to speak more confidently about your background and education. You may also come across common interests or experiences that you can bring up during the interview to build rapport and create common ground.

Practice your answers

Find someone around you who can practice asking you some common questions related to the job you are applying for. Even if this person is not an expert in the field, it's good to practice telling your story and get an outsider's perspective. Most people can give you general feedback, and the people who know you best will be honest with you.

Prove your social competence

At the end of the day, you should be yourself because interviews are also a chance for recruiters to get to know you. Companies are looking for people who can work well in a team - or even lead a team - so your soft skills are just as important as your ability to get things done.

Recall stories that demonstrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. For example, a front-end developer might share how they worked with other people on their team to make sure the final product met requirements.

A smile and eye contact are a good way to show your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Some people are so nervous that they forget to smile. This could be interpreted as "this person isn't really interested in being here - they're just pretending".