If you're reading this post, I'm certain you've already scoured the internet in preparation for your next interview.  But here are 6 tips that you haven't heard that will help you stand apart from the crowd:

1. Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn, have specific questions prepared for them based on their role and background.  Did they go to school at your Alma Mater?  Perfect!  Make sure you talk about it!  Have they been at the company in several roles?  Great!  Ask them about career progression and if there's room for growth in the role you're interviewing for.
2. Know everything there is to know about the company - have they been in the news lately? How long have they been around? How are they structured and business organized? What is their CEO interested in? Do they have any causes/non-profits they support?  Do they partner with any other companies?  These are all things you should know about the company so you're not asking dumb questions.
3. Have physical work?  Show it!  Bring a portfolio.  A leather-bound portfolio looks professional  and shows you're prepared.  Make sure to bring a few extra copies of your resume too.  Here are a few portfolios that look great for the price: Samsonite [google.com] & Gallery [galleryleather.com]
4. Have written positive feedback or endorsements?  Include them on the backside of your resume in this format:

• July 12, 2019
• "Rob did an outstanding job during the Office of the President presentation.  Our CFO was grateful for the data breakdown showing FY budget comparisons to last year."
• -VP, Finance

5. Within 24 hours after the interview (and preferably within the first 2 hours), write a killer thank you letter that focuses on what you would accomplish in your first 90 days on the job, including: what contributions you'd make, how you would become up to speed quickly, and what you'd like to accomplish.  Be specific.

• Thank everyone you meet, even the executive assistant, in email.  Don't have their email?  Send them a LinkedIn message thanking them.
• In every thank you, yes even the assistant's, include a question that you've thought of only after you left the interview, something thought provoking.  This will engage them and let them know that you were intrigued by the conversations during your interview.  An example would be, "I was wondering if you've considered using any project management tools to assist the team in collaboration, such as: Asana, Basecamp or Microsoft Project?"
• Be enthusiastic and let them know you want the job!

6. Look the part

• Wear what they wear.  If they're casual, consider wearing slacks and a button down, but kill the sports coat/suit.
• Brown belt, brown shoes.  Black belt, black shoes… you get the point.
• And, because we have to, make SURE your shirt tail is tucked in.  FancyBoy shirt stays [fancyboy.co] will ensure you're the best looking person in the room. 

Have others? Let us know if the comments below.