Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also an opportunity to showcase your skills, personality, and potential. You don’t just want to answer questions—you want to leave an impression that makes you stand out from the competition. The best candidates don’t just survive interviews; they take control, steer the conversation, and wow their interviewers.

Here are 7 power moves that will make any interviewer remember you for all the right reasons.

1. Own the First Impression

Before you even say a word, the interviewer is forming an opinion about you. First impressions are powerful, and the way you present yourself in those first few moments can set the tone for the rest of the interview.

How to Nail It:

• Dress one level above the company’s dress code. If they wear jeans and T-shirts, go business casual. If they wear business casual, opt for a suit. Looking slightly more polished than expected signals that you take the opportunity seriously.
• Make eye contact and smile. It sounds simple, but warmth and confidence in your initial greeting make a lasting impression.
• Give a firm but not bone-crushing handshake. This small gesture communicates confidence and professionalism.
• Use their name early. Saying, “It’s great to meet you, Sarah” right away personalizes the interaction and makes you more memorable.

2. Show You’ve Done Your Homework

Nothing impresses an interviewer more than a candidate who clearly put in the effort to research the company and role.

How to Nail It:

• Go beyond the company website. Read recent press releases, company blogs, and news articles.
• Check out the interviewer’s background on LinkedIn. You don’t need to mention everything you found, but a casual reference to something they worked on shows initiative.
• Know the company’s pain points. Every company is trying to solve problems. If you can identify what challenges they face and position yourself as part of the solution, you’ll stand out.
• Prepare smart questions. Instead of generic ones like, “What’s a typical day like?”, ask, “What’s the biggest challenge your team is facing this quarter, and how can this role help solve it?”

3. Tell Impactful Stories, Not Just Facts

Anyone can list skills and experiences, but the best candidates use storytelling to make their points memorable.

How to Nail It:

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Instead of saying, “I improved efficiency,” say, “At my last job, we were struggling with long processing times (situation). My task was to streamline workflow. I identified bottlenecks and implemented a new system (action), which reduced processing time by 30% (result).”
• Make your stories relatable. Interviewers remember stories that connect with real challenges they understand.
• Highlight numbers when possible. “Increased sales by 20%” sounds way more impressive than “helped boost sales.”

4. Master the Art of the Pause

Most candidates rush to answer every question, but great communicators know the power of a well-placed pause.

How to Nail It:

• Pause before answering. When asked a question, take a second to collect your thoughts. This makes you seem thoughtful rather than reactive.
• Use strategic pauses in your responses. If you’re making a key point, a slight pause before delivering it can add emphasis.
• Eliminate filler words. Pausing instead of saying “um” or “like” makes you sound more polished and confident.

5. Ask Insightful, Strategic Questions

The worst thing you can do at the end of an interview is say, “I think you covered everything.” Interviews are a two-way street, and asking great questions shows that you’re thinking critically about the role.

How to Nail It:

• Ask about the company’s vision. “Where do you see this team in the next 1-2 years, and how does this role fit into that growth?”
• Inquire about team dynamics. “What type of person thrives on this team, and what common traits do your top performers share?”
• Get the interviewer’s personal perspective. “What’s kept you at this company, and what do you love most about your role?”
• Address challenges. “What’s the biggest obstacle facing this department right now?”

6. Flip the Script: Treat It Like a Business Conversation

Most candidates approach interviews like school exams: they wait for questions and try to give the best answers. But the strongest candidates treat interviews more like a collaborative discussion.

How to Nail It:

• Engage in back-and-forth dialogue. If they mention a challenge, respond with curiosity: “That’s interesting—how is your team currently handling that?”
• Offer insights or ideas. If you know a potential solution to a problem they mention, don’t be afraid to suggest it: “At my last company, we solved a similar issue by doing X. Have you considered something like that?”
• Bring up relevant industry trends. If you’re interviewing for a marketing role, you might say, “I noticed a lot of brands shifting toward short-form video. How is your team thinking about that trend?”

7. Close with Confidence and Follow Up

The way you end an interview is just as important as how you start it. Too many candidates walk away with a weak, “Thanks for your time.” A strong close leaves an impression that lasts beyond the meeting.

How to Nail It:

• Reaffirm your enthusiasm. “After this conversation, I’m even more excited about the opportunity.”
• Ask about next steps. “What’s the timeline for the next steps, and is there anything else you need from me?”
• Send a personalized follow-up email. Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email mentioning a specific part of your conversation that stood out. Example:Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]Hi [Interviewer’s Name],I really appreciate the opportunity to interview today. I enjoyed learning more about [specific topic discussed], and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team. If there’s anything else I can provide, please let me know. Looking forward to the next steps!Best, [Your Name]

This shows professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine interest—traits every employer values.

Final Thoughts

Interviews aren’t just about answering questions; they’re about positioning yourself as the best possible candidate. By mastering these 7 power moves, you’ll go beyond just impressing your interviewer—you’ll make it impossible for them to forget you.

So next time you step into an interview, remember: confidence, preparation, and strategic communication can make all the difference. Nail these, and you won’t just land the job—you’ll make the interviewer excited to hire you.