Interviews are all about being one step ahead of the next candidate. I get asked sometimes how a person can make a strong positive impression on his or her interview panel. I think the best place to start is to pretend you’re a movie star. If this was a movie, what would make your interview EPIC?

Here are a few successful strategies.

1. Bring a portfolio. Very few do it. Pictures make your accomplishments feel more real.
2. Send a follow up thank you. Probably one in five send an email. About one in twenty send a handwritten letter. Be awesome. Do this.
3. Bring a 90 day plan. Very few people actually go into an interview thinking about what they’re going to do in the first 90 days. Do your homework and find out what the job really requires. A well thought out and realistic plan helps an interview panel have more confidence in your future with their organization.
4. If they give homework prior to the interview, go above and beyond. I once was asked to analyze a web page and present recommendations for improvement during the interview. In addition to that, I also conducted some usability testing, created a prototype page, got it approved, and published it. Interviewers like to see bold actions.
5. If they ask for anything in the interview, report back as quickly as possible and exceed their expectations. I was recently asked for contact information for someone in my network. Not only did I get it back to the interviewer that same day, but I also reached out to two other people, got their approval, and shared their contact info also.
6. If they comment that you’re lacking in something, walk out of the interview and do something amazing to prove them wrong. A friend of mine was told in an interview that he didn’t meet the education requirements for the job. He went home that night, applied for his next degree and sent an email back to the interviewers letting them know of his work.

Now, these strategies won’t always get you the job, but they will create a lasting positive impression with your interviewers. Don’t be discouraged I they don’t pick you. You may have lost the battle, but you’re going to win the war. This will likely open future opportunities for you to participate in new projects that will prepare you for your next promotion.

The person who shows the most passion, initiative, experience, and desire gets the job. If you would like more ideas about how to wow your interview panel, let’s get together.