how to be memorable in an interview

How to Be Memorable in an Interview (Without Being Weird)

Learn how to be memorable in an interview with these practical, witty tips to leave a lasting impression — and land that job with confidence.

affiliate disclosure

Let’s face it: interviews are like awkward first dates — everyone’s pretending they’re cooler than they are, no one knows where to put their hands, and someone’s always oversharing about Excel formulas.

In the sea of “strong communicators” and “team players,” learning how to be memorable in an interview is how you stand out, without needing to juggle flaming torches.

This guide is for people who want to walk into a room and have the hiring manager think, “Wow, now that was different… in a good way.”

Elaine Welteroth Teaches Designing Your Career


How to Be Memorable in an Interview (Without Being Weird)

Unless you plan to ride into your interview on a unicycle (bold choice), this list has you covered. Read on for some actionable tips to be memorable — and maybe even quote-worthy.


#1. Craft a Signature Story

People remember stories, not stats. Prepare one or two “impact stories” from your career that showcase a challenge, your action, and the result. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it structured and relevant.

🧠 Tip: Practice these stories out loud. Tie them to common interview questions like “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.” To be memorable, your story should highlight how you think, adapt, and win.


#2. Personalize Your Elevator Pitch

Skip the generic “I’m a results-driven professional.” Instead, make your opening statement a mini-narrative. Example:

“I help chaotic teams become organized powerhouses. At my last job, I cut project delays by 40% in six months — with zero overtime.”

That’s specific, impactful, and hard to forget.

how to be memorable at a career fair


#3. Bring Evidence — Literally

Carry a portfolio or one-pager of your accomplishments — even for non-creative roles. Include screenshots, client feedback, before-and-after metrics, and short success case studies.

🧠 Tip: Create a QR code that links to a portfolio or testimonial page. Bonus points for effort and innovation. It will be memorable.


#4. Use a Be Memorable Quote — Strategically

Close your interview with a relevant quote that reflects your personal brand. Something like:

“I believe in the Maya Angelou quote — ‘People will forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.’ That’s how I lead teams and win clients.”

Quotes like this stick and elevate your emotional intelligence.

to be memorable


#5. Do Deep Research, Reference It Thoughtfully

Mention a recent product launch, article, or social media post the company shared, and connect it to your own skills.

“I saw your latest sustainability initiative on LinkedIn. I’ve led similar programs and would love to bring that mindset here.”

Shows initiative. Shows curiosity. Makes you stand out.


#6. Ask Questions That Spark Conversation

Avoid yes/no or overly rehearsed questions. Instead, ask things like:

  • “What makes someone really succeed in this role beyond the job description?”
  • “What’s one project your team’s proudest of in the last six months?”

This makes the interview two-way and positions you as someone who listens and thinks.

be memorable


#7. Answer with Energy and Pauses

The way you speak can be memorable. Vary your tone. Pause before answering to show thoughtfulness. Avoid monotone or robotic responses.

🧠 Tip: Practice your delivery with a friend or coach. Record it. Watch for filler words, and work on punchy phrasing.


#8. Share an Unexpected Skill or Passion

Don’t shy away from sharing something unique, like that you run half-marathons, do improv comedy, or speak five languages.

“Fun fact: I host a podcast on productivity hacks. I’ve learned a ton about managing time and energy—on and off the job.”

This gives interviewers something only you offer — and something to talk about.

how to be memorable


#9. Follow Up with a Tailored Thank-You Note

Don’t send a generic “Thanks for your time.” Personalize your message by referencing a specific conversation moment or shared laugh.

“It was great chatting about your onboarding process — I’d love to help improve it further. I’m still thinking about your advice on cross-functional collaboration!”

Even better: Send it the same day. Make it sharp, thoughtful, and brief. It shows you’re intentional—and to be memorable, that’s essential.


#10. Practice a Confident Close

Don’t end with a shrug. Say something like:

“Thanks again for the opportunity. I’m really excited about the chance to contribute here, and I believe this role is the right fit.”

Assertiveness leaves a positive final impression, without being pushy.

how to be memorable person


#11. Use Their Name (Without Overdoing It)

People like hearing their own names. Mention your interviewer’s name a few times throughout the conversation. Not in every sentence—this isn’t a rom-com—but enough to make it feel personal.

“That’s a great point, Sarah. I completely agree — especially when onboarding remote team members.”

Subtle name use builds a connection and helps you be memorable.


#12. Be Authentically You — Don’t Perform

Many people think they have to become a version of what the interviewer wants to hear. Instead, show up as your real self — because faking confidence reads as… just fake.

“To be memorable,” says everyone’s favorite TED speaker, “is to be real. That’s the most disarming strategy there is.”

it will be memorable


Whether you’re prepping for your first big interview or navigating a high-stakes career fair, knowing how to be a memorable person is more important than ever.

When someone asks, “Why is it important for speakers to be memorable?”— the answer is this:

“Because people hire who they remember. And people remember who made them feel something.”

So tell a great story. Ask bold questions. Say something that makes their brain go, “Ooooh.” Do that—and you will be memorable.


Career Tips & Tools

free career test


© 2025, Priya Florence Shah. All rights reserved.


Discover more from Business & Branding Tips

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Scroll to Top

Discover more from Business & Branding Tips

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading