5 Things To Bring To Your Next Interview That Won't Fit On Your Résumé

It's no secret that the economy is not at its strongest and this generation is starved for a job market that will feed their needs to become employed members of society.

While the recent graduates and career-changers are amidst a raging sea of résumé-building classes, advice articles and cover letter critiques, some may forget to bring essential ingredients to the looming interviews that could cook up a memorable first impression, which is critical to secure future employment.

The next time you prepare yourself for an interview, remember these five things that could set you above the rest in the candidate pool. (Here’s a hint: They won’t find this in your résumé.)

1. Knowledge

Walk into the interview knowing a thing or two about where you are. A common question in many interviews is, “Why do you want to work here?” or "What makes you a good fit for this company?"

Looking the interviewer square in the eye and saying “the money” will not motivate the employer to invest time in you, despite it being a completely honest answer.

Perhaps, you answer with a quick remark like, “I want to work for a company like yours, that has been voted one of the best places to work by Forbes magazine three years in a row and doubled its revenue in only two years.” Not only are you showing that you have done your homework, but also that the company's success aligns with your goals, as well.

After displaying your aptitude for learning about the possibilities that the company may hold for you, the company will be more likely to want to invest in you.

Jump on Google, search a few reputable sources and, voilà! You will be well on your way toward securing more than just brownie points come interview day.

2. Confidence

It’s no secret that a company is looking for someone who is confident in the work he or she has produced and the work he or she can bring to the table.

Bring your utmost confidence in order to exude your abilities. You want the interviewer to know that you are confident you are the employee they need. Even an ounce of confidence can truly tip the scales in your favor.

This being true, refrain from issuing an egotistical landslide that will devour your employer. Use “we” instead of “me” and “us” instead of “I.” Too much “me” signals to your employer that you are in it for your own benefit, not for anyone else’s.

With the power in their hands, they will be sure to hire someone who is confident in his or her abilities to benefit the company as a whole.

3. Personality

Like confidence, employers are looking for individuals who will not only produce great work, but who will also make work a great place to be productive.

Bring your personality to your interview so the interviewer can see how you will interact once you are employed. Every company has a culture; show who you really are so the employers can make the judgment call regarding whether or not you would truly enjoy and thrive in the environment’s culture.

Here’s the good news: This will help YOU weed through the jobs that may be a good fit for YOU and ones that you would rather not be offered.

4. Trivia

Did you know that Julia Roberts worked in an ice cream parlor before becoming an actress? Or that coffee actually comes from the seed of a distinct breed of cherry grown on the Coffea tree?

I bet your employer didn’t, but now he or she does, thanks to you! As trivial as these facts may seem, they could link to an interview question you may have to answer. Your knowledge on the subject may open the door to conversations that will make you stand out above others.

Show your interest in what’s happening around you. You never know when your employer could strike up a conversation about a cultural account, and if you merely sit on the other side of the table, looking as dumbfounded as a deer in the headlights, you could lose major distinction points.

Who knows?! It could be that two-minute conversation with your employer about the health benefits of kale or how many flavors Ben and Jerry’s REALLY manufactures that leads the employer to want to hire you.

5. Passion

Every person on this planet has a passion. Whether it is helping the elderly, writing poetry, working on antique cars or traveling to other countries, be sure to bring this passion to light during your interview.

If you are interviewing for a writing position and you only talk with lukewarm sentiments about your past successes, chances are that your interviewer will be as bored with you as you are with yourself. Bring up stories, projects, skills and achievements of which you are proud and light a fire in your eyes that communicates that you want to succeed in whatever job you have.

We designate the most effort to the things we are most devoted. Show your employer that the role you’re seeking will unleash your best abilities and will contribute to the company’s success.

When all else fails, pull out your squeaky clean résumé, proper dialect and spotless cover letter.

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