Shine in Your Interview: 3 Dos and Don’ts to Prove Your Competence with Confidence

With 12 years of experience in the HR field, I have conducted countless interviews. In this article, I want to highlight why it is important to demonstrate your competence in an interview and provide practical advice on how to do so effectively. We will also explore the most common mistakes in self-presentation.

3 Reasons for a Stunning Self-Presentation

Despite my extensive experience in conducting interviews and understanding the stress applicants face, I can confidently say that everyone is, to some extent, influenced by the power of first impressions. Effectively showcasing your knowledge and skills can help you make a strong initial impression and assure the employer of your professionalism. When hiring a new employee, employers always take a risk. By demonstrating your competence, you mitigate this risk by proving that you can be an asset to the company.

Another crucial reason to focus on demonstrating your competence is the opportunity to validate that your experience and skills align with the job requirements. Employers seek candidates who can effectively handle the tasks at hand. By showcasing your experience and expertise, you confirm that you are well-suited for the position.

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A third reason to meticulously plan how you present your expertise is that this establishes your competitive advantage over other applicants. By emphasizing your unique skills and knowledge, you distinguish yourself from other candidates, thereby increasing your chances of securing the job.

These are not all the reasons to prepare, but let’s pause here for now. So, what does it mean to competently demonstrate your expertise, and what mistakes should you avoid along the way?

How to Stand Out in an Interview

1️⃣ Speak the Language of Results, Not Processes

During the interview, focus more on the outcomes you have achieved in your workplace rather than detailing the process of achieving them. HR specialists prioritize this in an interview.

❌ Don’t: On the last project, I developed a course on 3D modeling. Despite the difficulties and the amount of work, I created lesson modules, scripts for all lessons, video lessons on all course topics, and a student knowledge assessment system. If needed, I can explain in more detail how each lesson was created.

✅ Do: On the last project, I developed a course on 3D modeling. I created 10 modules, including 30 lessons, wrote scripts for all 30 lessons, produced video lessons on 30 course topics, and developed a student knowledge assessment system that included tests, quizzes, and practical assignments.

2️⃣ Use Numbers as Quantitative Indicators of Your Professional Performance

Let’s continue with these education-related tasks. To effectively showcase your achievements, I recommend identifying a list of target metrics for your educational product(s) before the interview:

Business metrics that evaluate financial performance: LTV, average check, number of new clients.
Product metrics that measure the effectiveness of the product and client loyalty: NPS, COR, CSI.
Educational outcome metrics that assess the level of students’ knowledge, skills, or competencies: the percentage of successfully completed homework or projects during the course.

❌ Don’t: Most of our students completed the 3D modeling course. Many of them were satisfied with it. I would also like to note that this is one of the most effective courses I have implemented over the past few months.

✅ Do: After completing my latest educational project on 3D modeling, my team and I achieved the following educational product metrics:

90% of students successfully passed the intermediate testing.
67% of students successfully completed the final project.
COR: 68%, NPS: 76%

Additionally, I recommend making an overall conclusion for all metrics at the end and briefly commenting on each indicator. This will effectively highlight your analytical skills, which are highly valued in the EdTech sector.

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3️⃣ Demonstrate Areas of Responsibility

Areas of responsibility highlight your independence and ability to take ownership of results. To effectively convey this, consider the following questions:

What tasks were you responsible for in your previous jobs?
What resources were at your disposal, and how did you utilize them?
Did you manage any subordinates? How many, and in what capacity?

In the eyes of HR professionals, the more extensive your area of responsibility, the higher your qualification appears.

❌ Don’t: I was responsible for developing the educational product from scratch, including design, methodical support, interaction with curators, and promotion.

✅ Do: At my last workplace, I was responsible for:

Preparing educational content
Analyzing student feedback
Forming the entire methodological package of documents for educational programs
Managing a team of curators
Setting technical tasks for all project executors: designers, technical specialists, proofreaders, and videographers

By comparing the incorrect and correct examples, you can see how specific wording enhances the overall impact. Pay special attention to the terms that strengthen your presentation.

Bonus Tip

Always inform HR about your professional interests. For instance, I write articles for a professional blog. Demonstrating your competence in an interview not only enhances your chances of securing the job but also lays the groundwork for future career growth within the company.

Summing Up

Acing an interview is not just about showcasing your resume, but also about demonstrating your competence with confidence. By focusing on these three essential tips, you can effectively highlight your skills and experience, making a strong impression on potential employers.

Remember to prepare thoroughly, avoid common self-presentation mistakes, and leverage your unique strengths to stand out. By doing so, you’ll not only increase your chances of landing the job but also pave the way for future career success. Shine in your interview and show the world what you’re truly capable of!